Norfolk Non-Native Species Co-ordinator

Background
The Norfolk Biodiversity Partnership was established in 1996 and seeks to conserve, enhance and restore the county's biological diversity. The Partnership is committed to addressing this challenge through communication and consensus building, the preparation and implementation of biodiversity action plans, the incorporation of biodiversity into the planning and development process, and by building awareness of the importance and value of biodiversity at all levels. The Partnership currently consists of 19 member organisations, including statutory bodies (eg, Natural England and the Forestry Commission); local planning authorities (Norfolk County Council and all district councils); and voluntary groups (eg, the Norfolk Wildlife Trust and RSPB).

Recently, the Partnership took part in two stakeholder workshops on aquatic, non-native species, organised by the consulting firm Atkins on behalf of Natural England. These workshops confirmed that non-native species are an important concern in the county and identified a need for a more co-ordinated and strategic approach to non-native prevention, control and eradication. To this end, the Partnership is now hoping to recruit a Co-ordinator for an initial period of one year, to drive forward a non-native species initiative for Norfolk, with an initial focus on aquatic species.

Objective
To promote the prevention, control and eradication of invasive, non-native species in Norfolk.

Benefits of the Project Work to the Graduate
This post offers a rare opportunity to become involved in biodiversity work at a county level. Specific benefits include the opportunity to: interact and become familiar with a very wide range of organisations and other stakeholders involved in biodiversity conservation in Norfolk; learn about partnership working and in particular, the Biodiversity Action Plan process; and gain experience in, and contribute to, the ongoing discussion and debate about non-native species - one of the most important and rapidly evolving subjects in the biodiversity conservation field.
Employment potential and options post Project Work

None at present. However, the experience gained from this post will prepare the successful applicant for conservation work within local government, the voluntary sector and local biodiversity partnerships within the UK. There may also be international opportunities, as the control of non-native species is increasingly becoming a global concern.

Output 1
An overview report on the status and impacts of non-native aquatic species in Norfolk, based on the best available information.
Output 2
A non-native aquatic species action plan for Norfolk, incorporating a clear set of prioritised recommendations for the next three to five years.
Output 3
A fully-developed project proposal for the prevention, control or eradication of at least one, high priority, non-native aquatic species (or group of species), with clear objectives, outputs, activities, timeframes and budgets.
Output 4
A web page on non-native species, for inclusion on the Norfolk biodiversity website (www.norfolkbiodiversity.org).
Output 5
The design, printing and distribution of a series of simple leaflets, providing basic facts on non-native species, guidance on prevention and control measures, and sources of additional information.

Personal Specification
Essential Selection Criteria 1 Weighting: 5
Bachelor's degree or higher in a relevant discipline, for example, ecology, biology or environmental sciences.
Essential Selection Criteria 2 Weighting: 5
Excellent inter-personal and communication skills (both written and verbal).
Essential Selection Criteria 3 Weighting: 5
Previous experience of carrying out independent research and writing analytical reports.

Essential Selection Criteria 4 Weighting: 4
Excellent organisational skills, with an ability to set priorities and organise workloads independently.

Essential Selection Criteria 5 Weighting: 4
Car owner, with a clean driving licence.
Essential Selection Criteria 6 Weighting: 3
In-depth familiarity with Microsoft programmes, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.
Desirable Selection Criteria 1 Weighting: 5
Previous experience of working on non-native species issues.
Desirable Selection Criteria 2 Weighting: 4
Previous experience of preparing project proposals using Logical Framework Analysis or a similar, structured approach.
Desirable Selection Criteria 3 Weighting: 4
Familiarity with databases, GIS and the management of spatial data.
Desirable Selection Criteria 4 Weighting: 3
Previous experience of website development.
Desirable Selection Criteria 5 Weighting: 2
Previous experience of working with the public or voluntary sectors.

Interview Date: Wednesday 23 July
Telephone Interviews, Week Commencing: Week commencing 14 July. The telephone interviews will be short and fairly informal. Please make sure you are contactable during the stated week.

Closing Date: 13 July 2008
Start Date: 1 September 2008
Length of Project Work: 52 weeks