Overview

About Network Rail

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Brief Description

Network Rail have four fantastic new opportunities available in the Wales & Western Region (offices in Cardiff, Bristol, Swindon and Reading). We are recruiting four experienced Ecologists to support and become part of a wider dedicated and hardworking team at Network Rail.

The Ecologist role will be based within the Route Asset Management Team. The role will mainly involve working on the Sustainable Land Use Programme (SLUP) implementation project and providing advice and guidance on Ecology and Biodiversity issues on the Routes and within the Region to ensure compliance with wildlife legislation and policy. The project aims to implement both recommendations of the Varley review and also the requirements of the ‘Biodiversity Duty’ (including the Environment Wales Act duty requirements into Network Rail’s work on the Wales Route).

The role will involve providing advice and guidance to colleagues across Network Rail to implement vegetation and habitat management plans, and also work on pilot projects to enhance the lineside for biodiversity, whilst also considering the ongoing maintenance for the effective management of a safe working railway line. It will also involve identifying opportunities and working with stakeholders aiming to achieve resilient ecological networks. The Ecologists will undertake fieldwork and produce Ecology reports, management plans and policy documents, and also provide valuable input into strategy with regard to managing Biodiversity. This role requires a task-orientated team-player with excellent communication skills, who is adaptable and able to work in a fast-paced working environment. This 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.

Department Name: AM Geotech Off Track Drainage RAM (570827) G1
Ref: IRC2182983

About the role (External)

The Key Accountabilities for this role is summarised as follows:
 
  1. Undertake and complete a range of Ecological field surveys, including protected species surveys and extended Phase 1 Habitat Surveys.

  1. Collate, write up and review survey results and mapping target notes and review to identify appropriate recommendations.

  1. Manage the implementation and embedding of recommendations to deliver continuous improvement.

  1. Undertake and complete environmental impact assessments.

  1. Lead the development of appropriate mitigation strategies, utilising results of surveys and liaising with Environmental Specialist’s and the Arboriculture team.
  1. Analyse and interpret data, using specialist software programs. Produce periodic and ad hoc reports to a high technical standard within prescribed timescales.

  1. Provide specialist ecological advice and guidance to site managers, engineers, planners and others associated with the undertaking and completion of surveys and / or assessments.

  1. Develop and maintain effective working relationships with key internal and external stakeholders, including statutory bodies, local authorities and members of the public.

  1. Assist in the production of environmental appraisal reports.

  1. Carry out research as required.

Job Skills, Experience, and Qualifications

Essential

  • At least 4 years comprehensive Ecological field experience.
  • Experience of land management, specifically in relation to Biodiversity or Ecology interests.  
  • Extensive experience of leading extended phase 1 habitat surveys and at least 2 years’ 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 Science.
  • 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.
  • Task orientated team player who is adaptable and able to work in a fast-paced working environment.
  • Strong report writing skills, including experience of writing method statements and survey reports to a high standard (including Extended Phase 1 Habitat Surveys, Ecological Appraisals and HRAs).
  • Competent with Microsoft Office and GIS.

Desirable

  • A relevant Masters degree in Ecology or other directly relevant discipline.
  • Protected species survey licences, e.g. dormice, bats, great crested newts.
  • Botanical skills (i.e. plant ID and use of Botanical keys) for a range of habitats including woodland, grassland plants.
  • Knowledge of operational railway environment and PTS qualified.
  • Experience of undertaking and completing environmental impact assessments.
  • Knowledge of ISO 14001 Environmental Management Standard
  • Full/associate/graduate membership of Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM).
  • Experience attending client meetings and working with multi-disciplinary teams
  • Knowledge of the use of Natural Capital Accounting such as the use of Biodiversity Metrics.
  • Project management experience.
  • Full UK driving licence.

How to apply (External)

Salary: £32,740
Closing date: 11/05/2020. Late applications will not be accepted.
Click ‘apply now’ to apply.

This is a fixed-term opportunity for 6 months, and has the potential to become permanent.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, or disability status. Click here for more information

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All offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks. Click here for more information