Overview

We’re looking for an Assistant Ecologist (Environment Ranger) to join our Planning & Environment team based at our Glenbranter Office in the Cowal District, Central Region.

The Environment Team works within the Planning & Environment Department and is responsible for monitoring and managing a wide range of designated sites, scheduled monuments, priority habitats and protected species across the national forest estate. The team supports sustainable land management by carrying out ecological surveys, providing specialist advice, and helping to shape land management plans and conservation projects.

As Assistant Ecologist (Environment Ranger), you’ll play a key role in providing baseline ecological surveys ahead of forestry operations and helping to protect and enhance the natural environment across the region. Your work will include surveying for protected species, developing mitigation plans, monitoring designated sites and habitats, supporting licence applications, and contributing to land management planning. Alongside field-based work, you’ll also undertake reporting, data management and GIS mapping activities, providing valuable ecological information to support decision-making and operational delivery.

To be successful, you’ll need an HND or equivalent qualification in Ecology, Conservation or a related discipline, together with experience of surveying for protected species and designing mitigation plans. You should be capable of independently planning and delivering ecological surveys, have good general fitness for working outdoors in challenging terrain and weather conditions, and hold a full UK driving licence (or be able to undertake the role by other means). Desirable experience and qualifications include knowledge of UK protected species legislation, GIS mapping skills, CIEEM membership, protected species survey licences, specialist expertise in one or more taxonomic groups, and knowledge of Schedule 1 breeding bird species ecology.

Core responsibilities include:

  • Supporting regional delivery teams by surveying areas ahead of forest operations and providing detailed mitigation plans for a range of protected and priority species.
  • Assisting the Environment Forester in compiling protected species licence applications to facilitate works when necessary.
  • Monitoring and reporting on the condition of scheduled and designated sites, priority habitats and protected species.
  • Assisting with the formation of regional environment work programmes by providing accurate specifications for works and identifying new areas for consideration as future conservation projects.
  • Assist planners by providing survey support during the land management planning process, gathering baseline survey information to inform and shape land management plan design.
  • Provide advice to colleagues and respond to general enquiries in the environment foresters absence.
  • Providing guidance and technical expertise during work planning processes, highlighting legislative requirements, licensing considerations and providing mitigation advice to facilitate work plan delivery.

This is full time vacancy, based on a 35 hour week. The role will require occasional early mornings and evening work throughout the summer season.

Requirements

Essential:

  • An HND or equivalent qualification in Ecology, Conservation or a similar field.
  • Experience of surveying for and designing mitigation plans for range of protected species.
  • A full clean UK driver licence.
  • Good general fitness and the ability to traverse uneven terrain in inclement weather conditions.
  • Competence and ability to effectively plan and deliver surveys for a range of protected species un-supervised.

Desirable:

  • Knowledge of legislative requirements regarding protected and priority species in a UK context.
  • CIEEM Membership (Associate or Full) or a willingness and ability to obtain this within 6 months of appointment.
  • A specialism in one or more taxonomic group.
  • GIS mapping skills.
  • Holder of NatureScot protected species survey licences.
  • Knowledge of Schedule 1 breeding bird species ecology and the ability to identify and assess nest sites for occupancy.

We’re a flexible employer and encourage applicants who wish to work a flexible working pattern to apply – all requests will be considered.

We believe it’s important to create an inclusive and supportive work culture and we welcome applications from everyone, regardless of background.

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