Overview

Norfolk Wildlife Services (NWS) is the ecological consultancy arm of Norfolk Wildlife Trust (NWT) and offers a range of ecological and arboricultural consultancy services to a wide range of clients in Norfolk and the wider region.

Services include:

  • Preliminary Ecological Appraisal
  • Wildlife surveys
  • Mitigation
  • Ecological Impact Assessment
  • Land management advice
  • Arboricultural services including hazardous tree surveys

Clients include:

  • Local government and statutory bodies
  • Commercial companies
  • Developers, construction companies and professional agents
  • Water companies and other utilities
  • Landowners, farmers and foresters
  • Private individuals
  • Local community groups

NWS was formed in 2000 as a wholly owned subsidiary trading company of NWT. It currently employs three ecologists, an arboriculturalist, two part time business officers (job share) and has a vacancy for a principal ecologist. It also utilises a number of subcontractors and other ecological consultants to increase capacity at peak times and draw on additional expertise. It is steered and advised by a Board of Directors and currently, a consultant business advisor. NWS donates all profits to NWT to further its conservation objectives. Since its formation, over £700,000 has been contributed in this way.

NWS is a member of The Wildlife Trust Consultancies, a network of 22 ecological consultancies associated with local wildlife trusts around the UK. NWS is ISO9001 certified.

A new Business Plan has been adopted which envisages further growth, investment in staff development and an increase in marketing. We are currently seeking a Principal Ecologist to join the team and lead it through the next exciting phase of its development.

You will have significant experience of working as an ecological consultant/senior ecological consultant and demonstrable skills in the winning and delivery of a wide range of ecological and consultancy contracts in Norfolk and beyond, ensuring all work is delivered to the highest standards and on time.

You will have experience of carrying out ecological surveys and assessments, protected species surveys, assessments and mitigation and be familiar with the relevant planning requirements and regulations regarding impact of developments on species and habitats. It would be desirable if you have a good working knowledge and experience of preparing habitat management plans and providing advice to landowners in conservation management.

Salary and conditions

Salary will be £28,000 to £32,000 per annum (depending on experience) based upon a 35 hours per week contract.

We offer a generous benefits package with 25 days annual leave (rising to 30 days), plus bank holidays, and a contributory pension scheme with Aviva with an 8% employer contribution. Two of our other many other benefits include an Employee Assistance Programme and a commitment to learning days.

You will work a 35 hour week, but given the nature of the post and its involvement in delivery of ecological contracts, there will be occasions when you will be expected to work outside normal office hours for which reasonable time off in lieu will be granted. The post may occasionally involve some weekend work and working away from home/office. Normal office hours are Monday to Friday, 09.00 to 17.00.

Qualities

You will be a qualified Ecologist or Senior Ecologist with a degree or equivalent in ecology, and full membership of CIEEM. Post graduate or additional professional qualifications would be an advantage. You will have substantial experience of the delivery of ecological work, preferably in a commercial consultancy environment, supported by good species identification and habitat assessment skills. Possession of relevant European Protected Species License authorities for bats and/or great crested newts would be an advantage as would a working knowledge and experience of preparing habitat management plans and providing conservation advice to landowners.

You will be a team player with a collaborative approach to working with colleagues within NWS, NWT and other organisations. Good interpersonal skills (written and oral) along with the ability to write professional standard reports and develop excellent working relationships with clients will be essential.

A more detailed job description is attached for further information and to assist you with your application. You may also wish to visit our website at https://norfolkwildlifeservices.co.uk/ for more information about NWS.

Application Procedure

You apply via a statement of application outlining why you consider yourself suitable for the post and what particular experience, skills and attributes you have which will enable you to fulfil the requirements of the job. It would help the selection panel if you refer to the enclosed job description and its duties and requirements in writing your statement. Please state where you first saw the post advertised.

Candidates should support this application by attaching a copy of their CV, giving full details of education, employment, and outlining relevant experience. Please also supply details of two referees. A CV submitted alone will not be considered.

Applications should be marked “Private and Confidential” and be emailed to recruitment@norfolkwildlifetrust.org.uk

Or posted to:
Job Applications
Norfolk Wildlife Services Limited
Bewick House
22 Thorpe Road
Norwich
NR1 1RY

Closing date for all applications is noon on Thursday 25 July 2019
Interviews are likely to take place in Norwich on Thursday 1 August 2019.

Unfortunately we are unable to provide feedback from the application stage. If you have not heard from us by the interview date, you should assume your application has unfortunately not been successful on this occasion.

We would like to take the opportunity to thank you for your interest in this role, and the work of Norfolk Wildlife Services.