Ecologist

About the Trust

We’re one of the UK’s biggest charities and we care for 2,000 miles of canals, rivers, docks and reservoirs because we believe life is better by water. We’re looking for people who support our cause and want to make a difference for future generations. Could this be you?

Along with our waterways we also manage museums, archives and the country’s third largest collection of historic buildings, as well as the nature and wildlife that calls our canals home. All of this enables us to provide wellbeing opportunities for millions of people each year.

Title: Unlocking Biodiversity Project Ecologist & Project Manager
Location: West Midlands, hybrid working
Salary: £33,677 + £4,680 Car Cash Allowance per annum

About the role:

Are you passionate about ecology and conservation and looking to make a real difference to nature recovery? We are looking for an ecologist and project manager to manage the next phase of 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 phase of the project will build on previous works which started in April 2023 and has delivered exceptional habitat improvements across the West Midlands region. The project will continue this work to be delivered by the successful applicant in collaboration with the West Midlands Environment Team and other operational teams working in the region.

This phase of the project will focus on monitoring and maintaining habitats created in the previous phase of the works (reedbed, aquatic margin, hedgerow, heathland and grassland), with further habitat creation and non-native species control. Continued water vole recovery within the region is also a key conservation aim of the project.

You will monitor existing habitats and implement and update action plans along with survey, design, plan and implement further habitat restoration works and non-native species control. The works will be 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.

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

Key accountabilities:

• Carry out habitat surveys to monitor progress of habitat creation works and to inform further restoration works.
• Implement habitat management and improvement plans and method statements to inform detail on how works will be delivered.
• Work collaboratively with internal Trust teams, such as Legal, Operations or Heritage & Environment, to deliver works and keep stakeholders informed.
• Work collaboratively with external stakeholders, such as NGOs, local authorities, landowners and volunteer groups to plan and deliver works and keep stakeholders informed.
• Lead volunteer groups in delivery of citizen science projects and habitat restoration works and work with Trust volunteer leaders to help deliver works. Help ensure an engaging experience for participants.
• Deliver awareness training, toolbox talks and facilitate practical training for Trust colleagues, contractors, volunteers and stakeholder groups.
• Procurement and negotiation of contractor services for delivery of habitat restoration works and non-native species control.
• Carry out site meetings with volunteer leaders and contractors to inform works.
• Carry out site monitoring during and after habitat restoration works to audit the quality of work and implement any mitigation as necessary.
• Procurement of equipment, services and materials required to carry out habitat management and creation works.
• Continue to run established citizen science surveys for otters, water voles, pollinators and non-native invasive species.
• Scheduling of works within tight timescales and seasonal limitations.
• Adhere to reporting requirements of funders and the Trust’s internal processes.
• Carry out budgeting and financial forecasting for the project.
• Identify, raise and mitigate risks to the project in a timely manner.
• Adhere to UK statutory environmental policies and internal Trust environmental procedures.
• Carry out risk assessments and adhere to Trust policies and procedures.
• Promotion of the project and its work, for example through social media.
• Contribute to national and local programmes of engagement with customers, volunteers, stakeholders and the general public to raise awareness of the Trust and its work, and promote the value of waterways. Aim to enhance the Trust’s reputation and influence, and seek to secure additional resources for our work, focusing on our key environmental and heritage priorities/work.
• Contribute to the implementation of the Trust’s Asset Management Strategies in respect of environmental/heritage assets.
• Deploy specialist skills/certifications/competencies across the network for the benefit of the wider Trust, particularly where these are limited resource in the organisation.

About you:

Essential attributes:

• You will be a passionate and effective advocate for nature recovery.
• Hold a degree or equivalent in ecology or a related subject.
• Proven experience in application of specialist knowledge within a business environment.
• Proven project management experience, including management of contracts and contractors, budgets and reporting.
• Experience of planning and undertaking habitat and protected species surveys.
• 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.
• Proven evidence of continuing professional development.
• Excellent organisation and scheduling abilities.
• Excellent 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.

Basic DBS Check is required.

Desirable attributes:

• Membership of CIEEM.
• Knowledge of GIS.

What we offer:

Compensation is made up as follows: £33,677 + £390 per month Car Cash allowance. Additionally, we also offer:

• 25 days paid holiday in addition to statutory leave.
• Competitive contributory DC Pension scheme arrangement, where we will double your contribution to a maximum of 10%.
• Access to a variety of personal development & growth courses and opportunities
• Free access to specialist counselling on a range of issues – health; financial; lifestyle; well-being; domestic & neighbourly matters.
• Access to a range of employee benefits including – store discounts; boating holiday discounts; holiday purchase scheme.
• Expansive maternity/paternity provisions.
• Progressive access to learning tools and CPD.
• Paid volunteering leave, volunteering for local community project work (dependent upon service)

We care passionately for our waterways, and as importantly, for those who look after and use them. We strongly believe that a diverse workforce brings with it a diversity of ideas, thinking and ways of working which enhances what we do as a Trust. We are striving to represent the diverse communities that we are a part of and welcome applicants from across all sectors of the community.

All candidates will be treated on the basis of their merits, skills and abilities and solely by being assessed against the requirements for the job.

At the Trust, we empower our people to flow and thrive both on and off the water. Our colleagues enjoy a variety of benefits that enhance their lives while working in a place that positively impacts others. We take pride in our people, protecting heritage and preserving wildlife, and we’re all about the future of our colleagues and the future generations who love and use our network. Inspired by people, we harness the different ways of working and thinking, ensuring our teams grow and reach their full potential.

Navigate your future and lock in your career as we keep our canals open and alive.