Overview

The role provides ecological support across business functions predominantly within the North West.

 

This is a position with great opportunities for the successful candidate to work in a newly established charity, applying his/her technical skills and continuing to develop professionally within the field of ecology.

 

Our aim is to support the work of the Trust as a whole while conserving and enhancing the environment of the inland waterway network. Finding simple and innovative solutions/methods of work to ensure that the modern-day use of the waterways, their historical importance, the Trust’s legal obligations and strategic priorities are met through sustainable development, conservation and enhancement of the natural environment.

 

Working alongside the Environment Manager and colleagues in the Environment Team provide technical support to the business on ecological issues through a number of multi-disciplinary teams including waterway operations, project managers, contract managers, volunteer co-ordinators and the communications team

 

Ensure day to day works are dealt with effectively and in line with legislation and Canal & River Trust’s environmental policy, heritage policy and defined standards. Be the first point of contact providing basic advice relating to the environment of the waterway network.
Responsibilities:
The Ecologist will have a reporting base in Wigan and will be required to travel regularly across the North West to support a variety of the Trust’s functional teams operating in these areas.  S/he will also be required to occasionally travel around the country to engage with other internal teams and a variety of external regulators and stakeholders.

 

Provide expert ecological support & advice across a range of Trust business activities in the North West to ensure compliance with environmental regulatory requirements & corporate environmental standards.
Liaise with colleagues involved in specifying, commissioning and delivering works to ensure relevant environmental processes are understood and being implemented.
Liaise with external regulators & stakeholders at local and regional level to protect and promote Trust interests in relation to environmental management.
Facilitate implementation of the Trust’s Environmental Management System, monitoring & reporting on compliance with regulatory requirements & corporate environmental standards. Sharing experiences with the wider business
Contribute to the development of the Trust’s Environmental Management System & corporate environmental standards, in consultation with other Trust colleagues.
Record all environmental incidents and work with environmental team colleagues to respond to and manage the actions/issues including the liaison with regulators.
Help maintain environmental awareness and competency levels across the delivery teams.
Contribute to delivering local and national publicity, feature articles for websites and events as well as assisting the wider environment team deliver increased levels of volunteering.
Comply with Canal & River Trust’s Health & Safety policy and defined standards. Undertake risk assessments, report incidents, accidents and near misses.
Provide a point of contact for basic technical queries internally and externally. Respond as appropriate by providing advice and reference to relevant information sources or escalate to senior team members.
Using SAP and GIS systems, ensure all relevant information and analysis is input in a timely and accurate manner.
Undertake preliminary studies/investigations, making site visits and working outside as appropriate.

Qualifications:
Strong understanding of Ecology including degree or equivalent in relevant discipline.
Working towards Graduate membership of relevant institution (CIEEM).
Comprehensive understanding of current environmental legislation
Experience of working within a business environment, delivering ecological support and advise to high standard.
Good standard of written and verbal communication skills and proven ability to present technical information to non-technical audiences.
Proficient in the use of a personal computer and business applications software eg MS Office.
Valid driving licence – essential
Sound knowledge of health and safety

Driving Licence Required:
Yes
Working with Children:
No