Overview

We’re the charity who look after and bring to life 2,000 miles of waterways across England and Wales, because we believe that life is better by water. Every role across the Trust plays its part in transforming our canals and rivers into spaces where local people want to spend time and feel better, bringing wellbeing benefits to millions.

We currently have an opportunity for an experienced Ecologist.

As an Ecologist you will provide ecological support across business functions predominantly within the West Midlands Region through cross boundary working will be occasionally required.   The focus of the area you will be expected to cover includes the Llangollen, Montgomery, Shropshire Union, Trent & Mersey and Caldon canals.  The office base is located at either Ellesmere or Stoke on Trent.

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 Heritage & Environment Manager and colleagues in the 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

The post holder will 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.

Knowledge, Skills/Qualifications & Experience

Key Accountabilities:

Provide expert ecological support & advice across a range of Trust business activities in the West Midlands 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.

Skills & Experience

Strong understanding of Ecology including degree or equivalent in relevant discipline.
Full membership of relevant institution (CIEEM).
2 years post-graduated experience
Comprehensive understanding of current environmental legislation – essential
Practical experience/understanding of protecting and enhancing internationally, nationally and locally protected sites –

desirable

Protected species licence holder for at least one or more species – essential
Natural Resources Wales licence holder for one or more protected species to include floating water plantain, all bats,  great crested newts, white clawed crayfish, water voles, badgers – desirable
Freshwater botanical skills desirable
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

What We Offer

In addition to your annual salary we offer Car Cash Allowance, a competitive contributory defined contribution Pension scheme arrangement, and numerous other employee benefits which can be found online.

We aim to represent the diverse communities we are part of and welcome applicants from across all sectors of the community. We strongly believe that a diverse workforce brings with it a diversity of ideas, thinking and ways of working which enhances what we do.

When you join the Canal & River Trust you become a member of an engaged team working to preserve our heritage for future generations.  Come and put your skills to use on our waterways.