Ecologist (Contract)

Our client a charity who look after and bring to life 2,000 miles of waterways across England and Wales, because they believe that life is better by water. Every role across the Trust plays its part in transforming canals and rivers into spaces where local people want to spend time and feel better, bringing wellbeing benefits to millions. Are currently looking for a Senior Ecologist for an initial 3-month contract with a review to extend, working out of their office in Ellesmere, Shropshire.

The role is to be based out of their Ellesmere office but will cover the local area and site visits on a regular basis, so the successful candidate must be flexible regarding working location and willing to travel and must hold a full UK driving license.

The job holder will provide the Trust with technical expertise in Ecology for the Shropshire area. As our local expert in Ecology you will work proactively and collaboratively with all colleagues, you'll support and implement the Trust's protection, improvement and promotion of the natural and historic built environment of the waterways; and provide professional services within their specialism to help the Trust achieve its objectives as a waterways and wellbeing charity.

The role:

• Deliver services related to the Trust's environmental or heritage assets in a region (within their specialism) with detailed knowledge of them.
• Provide expert technical advice within their field to ensure high quality/ best practice standards are achieved and high confidence in the Trust's reputation as custodians is retained.
• Work collaboratively with teams in addressing issues of high concern/ discontent with users/ visitors to improve standards on the network.
• Represent the Trust's interests regionally within their specialism with regulators or other parties in aspects of mutual interest/ benefit including the application for and negotiation of regulatory agreements/ consents..
• Implement relevant inspection/monitoring/ recording and maintenance programmes for the assets within their region. Undertake the necessary field and research work required, assessment of impacts, recording and reporting; commission and work with consultants; and analysis of outputs as required.
• Deliver awareness training, toolbox talks and facilitate practical training in their specialism for the Trust's staff, contractors, volunteers and stakeholder or community groups.
• Contribute to the implementation of a management system for environmental and heritage assets (EMS / Environmental asset strategy and Heritage Strategy; including associated processes & standards) especially with responsibility for monitoring application within their local area and contribution to maintenance of appropriate levels of training & competency (including certification) in their specialism locally.
• Identify opportunities and lead volunteer tasks within their area of expertise. Ensure an engaging experience for participants.
• Contribute to national and local programmes of engagement with customers, volunteers, stakeholders and the general public to raise awareness of the Trust, and promote the value of waterways and the work of the Trust. 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.

Skills/Experience:

• Ecologist experienced in freshwater and terrestrial environments, and habitat management
• Min 3-5 years' experience
• Familiarity of domestic and European wildlife legislation
• Experience of survey and conservation of aquatic plants
• Experience of dealing with works delivery teams and contractors
• Experience of dealing with external stakeholders
• Experienced in working with a European Protected Species,
• Bat, badger and/or great crested newt work desirable.

Qualifications:

• Degree or equivalent level qualification in Ecology/Environmental Science or relevant specialism.
• Full / associate member of professional body relevant to the specialism e.g. CIEEM CIWEM, CIWM, IEMA etc.