Overview

Summary

We’re looking for an experienced ecologist with strong analytical and GIS skills to join our Science and Nature team to support our ambitious plans for ecological restoration across our estate.
You’ll work collaboratively to ensure our conservation delivery is cutting edge helping build a compelling evidence base by supporting our monitoring and working with interdisciplinary teams of nature conservation advisors, rangers, volunteer citizen scientists, other NGOs as well as academic and statutory partners.

What it’s like to work here

We’re bigger than you think, more complicated than we appear and our estate is larger than you’d imagine. We look after some of the country’s most important and iconic wildlife sites.
We’ve got passionate people in all our teams, and we’ve got so much more we want to achieve.
We’re forever, for everyone, and we really mean that.
Your contractual location will be our head office in Swindon, however there will be an opportunity to explore and agree hybrid working arrangements which strike the right balance for you and the Trust. The role will involve travel to meet with stakeholders and to carry out work across England, Wales and N Ireland. You will report to the Nature Evidence Manager, based in Newcastle.

What you’ll be doing

You’ll support our central Science & Nature team to build an evidence-based culture. You will play a crucial role in how we measure and report against our ambition for nature restoration.
You’ll support the Nature Evidence Manager in dealing with queries about our species and habitat data and contribute ecological expertise in how to best monitor our restoration.
You’ll help secure high quality and robust data through traditional and innovative methods and ensure our teams are coordinated in our monitoring and surveillance to secure maximum statistical power.
You’ll help out with our ecological surveying as well as building capacity by developing training and supporting more staff and volunteers to collect ecological data and become evidence champions.
You’ll help develop our collaboration with external partners, including national research institutes and biodiversity recording schemes, to both improve UK biodiversity monitoring and integrate these data with our own to improve its utility and effectiveness.

Who we’re looking for

You don’t need to have all the knowledge, skills and experience listed in the role profile; this is just to provide a full picture of what is possible in this role. We’d love to hear from you if you have:
• Demonstrable knowledge and experience in UK habitats and species (incl. vascular plants), surveying and evaluation methods
• Significant experience and understanding of ecological monitoring schemes such as the National Plant Monitoring Scheme or Pollinator Monitoring Scheme
• Strong GIS skills including evaluation and data analytical skills and knowledge of associated programmes
• Ability to work with a range of biological recording systems, including uploading and managing data effectively, for example using iRecord or the NBN
• Experience of providing training and support to others in ecological survey techniques or willingness to develop these skills
• Experience of working with volunteers and utilising citizen science
• Working with a range of stakeholders and ability to interpret our data and evaluation to a range of audiences and interest groups based on your ecological knowledge
• A working knowledge of UK wildlife legislation and policy
Interviews will be held on Tuesday 27th February. Short listed candidates will be asked to give a presentation as part of the recruitment process.

The package

The National Trust has the motto ‘For everyone, for ever’ at its heart. We’re working hard to create an inclusive culture, where everyone feels they belong. It’s important that our people reflect and represent the diversity of the communities and audiences we serve. We welcome and value difference, so when we say we’re for everyone, we want everyone to be welcome in our teams too.

  • Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary
  • Free entry to National Trust places for you, a guest and your children (under 18)
  • Tax-free childcare scheme
  • Rental deposit loan scheme
  • Season ticket loan
  • Perks at work discounts such as gym memberships, shopping discount codes, cinema discounts
  • Holiday allowance up to 32 days relating to length of service, plus holiday purchase scheme, subject to meeting minimum criteria.
  • Flexible working whenever possible
  • Employee assistance programme
  • Free parking at most Trust places
  • Independent financial advice