Ecologist

Network Rail have a fantastic opportunity available for an experienced Ecologist available to be based in the Wales & Western Region (main offices in Cardiff, Bristol, and Swindon).

The role is part of the wider Director of Engineering and Asset Management (DEAM) team, specifically working in the ‘Weather Resilience and Sustainable Development’ team who work on other aspects of Sustainability in addition to Biodiversity. The Ecologist role will report directly into the Environment Manager (Biodiversity) role who is the acting lead for biodiversity across the Wales & Western Region. Network Rail has recently released a National Environment and Sustainability Strategy  and the ecologists working in-house at Network Rail are integral to implementing the objectives of this strategy, in relation to Biodiversity. We also have Ecologists working in other areas of the business across the Wales & Western Region, so this is a great opportunity to join Network Rail’s expanding Ecology team and develop in this role.

Previous experience of working in land management or specifically writing biodiversity management plans would be beneficial as one of the main tasks for this role will be producing habitat and vegetation management plans (HVMPs). This will involve undertaking site visits and relevant Ecology surveys to inform the plans. The initial focus will be to complete these HVMPs for locations in proximity to designated sites and areas where imminent works are planned. As a result, the Ecologist will also be required to remit works specifically for habitat management for Biodiversity, reviewing reports from external suppliers and undertake surveys for species and habitats, and completing relevant report writing (including HRA, GIS mapping and BNG calculations).

Project management skills would be favourable, as the role will involve working with other relevant teams on the procurement of subcontractors, tender evaluation, and management of ongoing surveys.

Whilst supporting the Environment Manager (Biodiversity) role, the Ecologist will also represent Network Rail at external meetings, including relevant biodiversity working groups and Nature Partnerships. Effective communication skills are required to identify potential opportunities for future partnership working with external stakeholders aiming to achieve resilient ecological networks. The successful candidate will also be required to consult directly with external bodies including NRW, Natural England and Local Authorities regarding licensing requirements or biodiversity matters for instance.

Although working as part of a small team, the Ecologist will be required to have the ability to make independent decisions and provide direct advice on Ecology to colleagues within other teams across the business when required.

This role requires an experienced Ecologist who is a task-orientated team-player with excellent communication skills, who is adaptable and able to work in a fast-paced working environment. The role will involve survey and fieldwork and require some travel in order for the applicant to be able to undertake site visits across the Route/Region, therefore a driving licence is essential.

Network Rail offer a competitive benefits package and wellness solutions which includes: *paid membership of a professional body, *28 days annual leave, *5 paid volunteer days, *a range of discounted offers and access to ‘My Benefits’.

Additional Desirable

• Botanical skills to a Level 3 FISC BSBI (or working towards completing the assessment).
• Knowledge of the use of Natural Capital Accounting such as the use of Biodiversity Metric 4.0.
• A relevant postgraduate qualification in Ecology, or other directly relevant discipline.
• Protected species survey licences, e.g. dormice, bats, great crested newts.
• Experience of project management and/or coordination of project work.
• Experience of completing protected species mitigation licence applications.
• Strong report writing skills, including experience of writing method statements and survey reports to a high standard (including Extended Phase 1 Habitat Surveys, PEAs, Ecological Appraisals and HRAs).
• The ability to work independently and make independent decisions in relation to providing advice on Ecology.
• Experience of land management, specifically in relation to Biodiversity or Ecology interests.
• A comprehensive understanding of UK and European wildlife legislation, and experience in the application of best practice guidance. For Wales, this must include knowledge of the application of the biodiversity policies for devolved countries (e.g. Environment Wales Act 2016).
• Significant practical experience of identifying baseline Ecological constraints during site visits and providing guidance on mitigation measures and what permissions are required for works to proceed.
• Have significant experience of standard survey protocols and methodologies, with the ability to complete protected species surveys.
• Good interpersonal, influencing, communication and organisation skills.
• The ability to work under pressure, be adaptable and meet deadlines on time.

   
About the role – Job skills, Experience and Qualification

Essential

• Comprehensive experience working within the field of ecology.
• Experience of leading and/or independently undertaking extended phase 1 habitat surveys and experience of providing supervision of works in the role of project ecologist, and/or ECoW.
• A relevant undergraduate degree in Ecology, Zoology, Biological Sciences, or other relevant Environmental Sciences.
• A good understanding of UK and European wildlife legislation and experience in the application of best practice guidance.
• Be able to identify baseline Ecological constraints during site visits
• Have experience of standard ecological survey protocols and methodologies.
• Ability to complete protected species surveys.
• Good interpersonal, communication and organisation skills.
• Task orientated team player.
• Strong report writing skills, including experience of writing method statements and survey reports.

   
Desirable

• Membership of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM).
• Experience attending client meetings and working with multi-disciplinary teams.
• Competent with Microsoft Office and GIS.
• Full UK driving licence.
• Knowledge of operational railway environment and PTS qualified.

   
Application at Network Rail careers here Network Rail