Ecologist – Nature Recovery

This is a fixed-term post until November 2025, with a view to becoming permanent thereafter. We are open to discussing reduced hours, flexible
working or consultancy basis.

Our Why

Our earth is warming at an unprecedented rate and our climate is changing faster than
predicted. It’s humanity’s greatest challenge. In the last fifty years wildlife populations
have declined by 69% and there have been significant changes to nature. In the UK over half of
average adults’ diet includes Ultra Processed Food affecting our health and wellbeing.

But we still have time to change course.

Our ambition here at Denton Reserve is to combat climate change through repurposing our land.
We will capture CO2, increase biodiversity, embark on nature friendly farming and produce more
seasonal and sustainable food.

Our What

Denton Reserve is a reimagined rural retreat, sitting within the Nidderdale National landscape
(AONB) and consists of 2,500 acres of woodland, moorland, grassland arable land and a deer
park.

We will realise our ambition to help address climate change through adopting a new land
management model and establish a reimagined hospitality enterprise.

We are combining a landscape restoration project of national significance with food production
and the creation of a unique naturally inspired destination and wellness experience, with
sustainability at heart.

About the Role

We are looking for someone with a real passion and significant experience in Ecology to lead
the overall approach to ecological monitoring and restoration at Denton Reserve. It will be a
varied and demanding role, so extensive experience is essential. However, most important is the
ability to understand, prioritise and apply familiar ecological monitoring concepts across a
variety of related fields such as botany, priority habitat types, protected species and more.

Prior experience of working with similar projects would be a huge bonus but you should feel
excited by working on a large-scale nature restoration project that encompasses a broad range
of species and habitats; plans for rewilding, regenerative agriculture, wetland creation,
agroforestry, species reintroductions, habitat creation and more.

Working in partnership with our Land Management team you’ll feel strongly motivated and
confident to hold Denton Reserve to account on the ecological impacts of all activities on the
estate.

This is initially a fixed-term funded role until November 2025, primarily to deliver our
ecological baseline and 25-year Landscape Recovery plan, with a view to become permanent
thereafter. We hope the right person will be with us much into the future.

Essential Experience:

• Specialist or general knowledge in ecology related fields.
• Significant experience in a wide range of aspects relating to Ecology.
• Extensive survey design, planning and species identification skills.
• Ability to produce and contribute to baseline assessments and technical reports.
• Experience in monitoring of conservation and enhancement projects.
• Ability to inspire, engage and educate internal and external audiences.

Beneficial Experience:

• Ecology based degree qualification or 3 years working in the field.
• Knowledge of upland ecosystems and food production.
• Knowledge of hydrology and/or wetland creation.
• Knowledge of GIS and data management.
• Knowledge of UK nature conservation legislation and planning processes.
• Ecological Impact Assessments, Invasive Species, BNG or other
• Familiar with Ecosystem Services, Natural Capital, Natural Flood Management and Nature
  Based Solutions.

Next Steps:

• Send your CV and a brief cover note outlining why you would be a good fit and why the role
  excites you to [email protected]
• The first interview for this role will be a group session held on 7th October 2024 between 17:00-19:00

For an informal chat or any queries prior to applying feel free to call or WhatsApp me on
07825 811260