Ecologist

Currently we have an opportunity for an experienced Ecologist to join our Environment Team in the West Midlands within the Operations Directorate. The role involves providing professional technical support on ecological issues to multi‑disciplinary teams across the Trust, ensuring compliance with environmental policy and delivering the Trust’s strategy.

• Provide expert ecological support and advice across a range of Trust activities in the West Midlands region to ensure regulatory compliance and best practice.
• Work with area operations teams, asset engineers, geotechnical specialists, project managers, contract managers, contractors, community engagement managers, fund‑raisers and the communications team.
• Conduct habitat and species surveys, advise on nature recovery and biodiversity net gain, and develop method statements and Site Management Plans.
• Deliver technical training, toolbox talks and practical sessions for Trust colleagues, contractors, volunteers and stakeholder groups.
• Lead field work, monitor habitat restoration works, audit results and implement mitigation actions in line with UK statutory environmental policies.
• Respond to and manage environmental incidents, report incidents, accidents and near misses in accordance with the Trust’s Health & Safety policy.
• Assess risks, adjust work methods and ensure all equipment (PPE, plant materials, etc.) is appropriate for the task.
• Support safeguarding and promote the safety and welfare of children, young people and adults at risk.
• Travel within the West Midlands region and occasionally across the canal network in other regions.

• Degree in Ecology or a related discipline.
• Experience applying specialist ecological knowledge within a business context and influencing internal and external contacts.
• Practical knowledge of UK environmental policy and regulatory requirements.
• Competence in a wide range of habitat assessments (woodland, scrub, grasslands, freshwater) and priority species survey techniques.
• Possession of, or working toward, a protected species licence.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present technical information to non‑technical audiences.
• Motivated, with a clean UK driving licence and access to an own car for business use.
• Knowledge of GIS and its application in ecological work.
• Ability to engage with a variety of stakeholders and work effectively with volunteers and community groups.

• Monthly salary plus car cash allowance.
• 25 days paid holiday, plus statutory holidays.
• DC pension scheme with the Trust matching contributions up to 10 %.
• Access to personal development and growth courses.
• Free specialist counselling covering health, financial, lifestyle, well‑being and domestic issues.
• Employee benefits:
  
  store discounts, boating holiday discounts, holiday purchase, maternity/paternity support and volunteering leave for local community projects.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient suitable applications. If you are interested, please submit your application as soon as possible.

Key

Skills:

Internal Control, ABAP, Administration Support, Art And Craft, Event Marketing, Data Analysis.
Employment Type: Full‑Time.
Vacancy: 1 position.