Ecologist

We’re the charity who look after and bring to life 2,000 miles of waterways across England and
Wales, because we believe that life is better by water. Every role across the Trust plays its
part in transforming our canals and rivers into spaces where local people want to spend time
and feel better, bringing wellbeing benefits to millions.

We currently have an opportunity for an experienced Ecologist to join our
Environment Team North within the Operations Directorate. The Ecologist will predominantly
cover the West Midlands Region

Are you passionate about ecology and conservation and looking to make a real difference to
nature recovery? We are looking for an ecologist to join the Unlocking
Biodiversity project, funded by Severn Trent, which aims to preserve and restore
habitats within the West Midlands and the wildlife that depends on them. This project started
in April 2023 and runs until March 2025. The project will continue to be delivered by the
successful applicant in collaboration with the co-project manager already working on the
project. 

The Unlocking Biodiversity project focusses on five habitat types for restoration along our
waterways: reedbed, aquatic margin, hedgerow, heathland and grassland. Learn more here.

You will assist in planning, implementing and overseeing habitat restoration works, including
creating habitat management plans to ensure future longevity. The works are delivered by a
combination of volunteers and contractors, so the ability to lead and work with a range of
different people is vital for this role.

Location

The role will be based working from home, with the allocation of a nearby Hub in the West
Midlands for collaborative working. You will attend site visits across the West Midlands region

Knowledge, Skills/Qualifications & Experience

Key ecological accountabilities:

• Carry out habitat surveys to inform restoration works.
• Create habitat improvement plans and method statements to inform detail on how works will
  be delivered.
• Work collaboratively with internal Trust teams and external stakeholders to deliver project
  objectives.
• Lead volunteer groups and/or work with Trust volunteer leaders in delivery of objectives.
  Ensure an engaging experience for participants.
• Deliver awareness training, toolbox talks and facilitate practical training for Trust
  colleagues, contractors, volunteers and stakeholder groups.
• Attend site meetings with volunteer leaders and contractors to inform works.
• Carry out site monitoring during and after habitat restoration works to audit the works and
  implement mitigation as necessary.
• Continue to run established citizen science surveys for otters and water voles.
• Adhere to UK statutory environmental policies and internal Trust environmental procedures.
• Write and implement risk assessments.
• Promotion of the project and its work, for example through social media.

Key project management accountabilities:

• Procurement and negotiation of contractor services for delivery of habitat restoration
  works.
• Procurement of equipment and materials required to carry out habitat works.
• Scheduling of works within tight timescales and seasonal limitations.
• Adhere to reporting requirements of funders and internally within the Trust.
• Manage the project in accordance with the Trust’s Health and Safety policy and defined
  standards to ensure compliance.
• Plan and control forecasts and actual costs against the project budget.
• Ensure all project (time, cost, quality, health and safety and environmental and heritage)
  objectives are achieved,
• Manage risks, issues and changes on the project.
• Maintain communications with stakeholders and the project team/organisation to satisfy
  their differing needs.
• With assistance from others, administer all aspects of the contract (if applicable to
  delivery of the project) to ensure compliance (e.g NEC ECC).
• Handover and closure of the project in a controlled manner highlighting any areas for
  improvements or elements of good practice to be considered in future projects.
• Work safely ensuring the safety of others and contribute to safe working in all activities.
• Display the Trust values and behaviours at all times.
• Ensuring that diversity and inclusion are integrated into all aspects of Trust life and
  promoting inclusion by challenging behaviour, practices, actions, or decisions that are counter
  to the objectives of the Trust’s policies and values.
• Comply with Canal & River Trust Health & Safety policy and defined standards,
  report incidents, accidents and near misses. Assess the risks and make adjustments to work
  methods where appropriate. Ensure all equipment (PPE, plant, materials etc.) is appropriate for
  the task. Consider your own and others behaviour.
• Safeguarding – To be aware of your own responsibilities regarding safeguarding and to
  support our commitment to providing safe environments and working practises that promote and
  protect the safety and welfare of children, young people and adults at risk at all times.

About you

Technical: 

• Hold a degree (or equivalent experience) in ecology or a related subject.
• Proven experience in application of specialist knowledge within a business environment.
• Able to influence/negotiate effectively with internal and external contacts to achieve
  desired outcomes.
• Knowledge of, and practical experience of operating within, UK & European policy and
  regulatory frameworks.
• Experience of undertaking habitat surveys, desirable. 
• Experience of undertaking protected species surveys, desirable.
• Project management experience, desirable.
• Membership of CIEEM, desirable.
• Knowledge of GIS, desirable.

General: 

• You will be a passionate and effective advocate for nature recovery.
• Proven evidence of continuing professional development.
• Excellent organisation and scheduling abilities.
• Good communicator to a range of audiences, able to adapt style and content as appropriate.
  Capable in a range of media types.
• Reliable and flexible.
• Self-motivated and show initiative.
• Able to work well alone or in a team.
• Good problem-solving abilities.
• Full UK driving licence with access to own car for business use.

In addition to the specialist expertise and professional qualifications you bring, it is also
essential that you have an ability to engage with a variety of stakeholders across the
organisation and wider, and communicate effectively to protect and promote the Trusts’
waterways environment and ecology and enjoy working with volunteers and community groups. 

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient suitable
applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as
early as possible.