Senior Ecologist

About the Trust

We're one of the UK’s biggest charities and we care for 2,000 miles of canals, rivers, docks and reservoirs because we believe life is better by water. We're looking for people who support our cause and want to make a difference for future generations. Could this be you?

Along with our waterways we also manage museums, archives and the country's third largest collection of historic buildings, as well as the nature and wildlife that calls our canals home. All of this enables us to provide wellbeing opportunities for millions of people each year.

Join Our Team: Senior Ecologist

We’re excited to welcome a new Senior Ecologist at our West Midlands location.

Navigate your future and lock in your career as we keep our canals open and alive.

Working Hours & Location

This role follows a 37 hours, Monday to Friday working pattern and will be home-based, with the allocation of a nearby Hub in the West Midlands for collaborative working. You will attend site visits across the West Midlands region.

See our network here: canalrivertrust.org.uk/enjoy-the-waterways/canal-and-river-network

Role Overview

The Senior Ecologist will provide the Trust with technical expertise in Ecology, with particular responsibility for a defined geographical area and/or for particular topics at a regional / national level. Working proactively, they will support and develop the Trust’s protection, improvement and promotion of the natural environment of the waterways and provide professional environmental services within their area of expertise to help achieve a wide range of corporate objectives. They will deputise for the Environment Manager (EM) in their absence.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide expert technical advice relating to ecology as requested.
• Within region, lead on the development and implementation of relevant Asset Management Strategies (vegetation, environmental assets) to protect, maintain, and where appropriate, enhance condition of the assets and their performance for the customer.
• Implement relevant survey, monitoring and maintenance programmes for environmental/soft estate assets within their geographical remit, (re-)prioritising work to suit available resources and within delegated authority levels.
• Contribute to the ongoing development and implementation of an environmental management system (EMS; including associated processes & standards), including environmental audit and compliance monitoring and managing the process of investigation of non-compliances, especially with responsibility for monitoring application within their geographical remit; to maintenance of appropriate levels of environmental training & competency (including certification) in their local area.
• Work with national colleagues to ensure consistency of document management, management of files and data, including correspondence and compliance with GDPR.
• Lead on Volunteer Action Plan and it’s implementation. Co-ordinate volunteer activity for ecological works.
• In collaboration with Environment Manager (EM) and other Senior specialist, lead on implementing corporate targets on raising public awareness of and support for the Trust especially through interest in our environmental assets, vegetation management & dredging.
• In collaboration with EM and Senior specialist lead on external engagement and fundraising locally to secure additional resources for the Trust, especially through interest in our environmental assets, including protected species and sites and vegetation management.
• Work with national colleagues on training material for Trust colleagues and volunteers, FAQ’s for customer enquiries etc.
• Contribute as appropriate to the development and implementation of the Trust’s Asset Management Strategies especially in respect of the Trust’s environmental assets, protected sites, and vegetation management to achieve customer service requirements & positive management of the natural environment efficiently and effectively.
• In cooperation with EM and other Senior specialist take a lead on regional programmes of engagement with customers, volunteers, stakeholders and the general public to promote the value of waterways and the work of the Trust to increase the Trust’s reputation and influence and secure additional resources for our work, focusing on our key environmental priorities.
• Co-ordination and contribution to national Communities of Practice.
• Lead on, in consultation with EM, induction and mentoring of new and junior members of the Environment Team and management of in-team placement volunteers.
• Lead on areas of work of regional Environment Team as instructed by EM.
• Displaying the Trust values and behaviours at all times
• Ensuring that diversity and inclusion are integrated into all aspects of Trust life and promoting inclusion by challenging behaviour, practices, actions, or decisions that are counter to the objectives of the Trust’s policies and values
• Working with other Seniors, deputise for EM when they are absent.

Skills & Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent in relevant discipline.
• Chartered professional, e.g. C.Env and Full member of relevant professional institution, e.g. CIEEM, CIWEM, CIWM, IEMA, etc.
• Proven post qualification (chartered or equivalent) experience in application of specialist knowledge within a business environment. Maintain relevant CDP.
• Able to review conflicting (and cross-functional) risks to establish and communicate appropriate options/priorities or make sound judgements within delegated levels of responsibility.
• Exercise a strategic response to issues.
• Able to negotiate effectively with internal and external contacts to achieve desired outcomes for the Trust
• Able to support other areas of the Trust’s business in an appropriate manner, taking account of overall business priorities and negotiating resources as appropriate
• High level knowledge and practical experience of operating within, UK & European environmental policy and regulatory frameworks
• Experience of operating within a customer service environment
• Understanding and adhering to Trust governance, financial controls and systems of compliance
• Full Valid UK driving licence

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient suitable applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

Contact & Application

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us at [email protected]. We encourage early applications as we may close the vacancy once we receive enough suitable candidates.

What We Offer

We offer an annual salary of £40,838 + £425 per month Car Cash Allowance. Enjoy a competitive pension scheme, increasing holiday entitlement, and a range of employee benefits. For a full breakdown of our benefits, check out our brochure here: EVP - 1.

Learn more: canalrivertrust.org.uk/about-us/work-for-us/our-benefits

Our values

We care passionately for our waterways, and as importantly, for those who look after and use them. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce where everyone can thrive. We are striving to represent the diverse communities that we are a part of and welcome applicants from across all sectors of the community.

We want everyone to have the opportunity to perform at their best during our recruitment process. If you require any reasonable adjustments - whether for a disability, neurodiversity, or health condition - please let us know what you need and how we can support you. We’ll work with you to make any necessary changes.

All of our jobs can be considered on a part time flexible or job share basis.

We operate a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the role. You are considered disabled under the Equality Act 2010 if you have a physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long-term negative effect on your ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities. We recognise not everyone who is classified as disabled under the Equality Act personally identifies this way, or with this definition of disability. Please do not let this discourage you from applying under the scheme.

Navigate your future and lock in your career as we keep our canals open and alive.