Ecologist

The Role

We are looking for an Ecologist to join our Landscape & Conservation team on a part-time basis. The post is offered on a permanent 22.2-hour basis, with an additional 7.8 hours per week (30 hours total) available until 31 March 2027.

In the role, you will be responsible for:

• Supporting the work of the Senior Nature Officer.
• Helping to deliver the ambitions of the National Park’s Nature Recovery Plan.
• Providing high-quality and timely advice to Authority staff, land managers and other organisations on appropriate measures to conserve and enhance the nature conservation value of sites.
• Providing appropriate ecological advice in response to proposals (e.g. Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, Agri-environment scheme applications, forestry consultations, planning applications, farm conservation schemes, etc.).
• Carrying out ecological surveys of sites and assessing their nature conservation importance.
• Organising the implementation of nature conservation projects in the National Park in liaison with other organisations and individuals.
• Raising appreciation and understanding of the central role of nature conservation in the Authority’s activities. This may include production of reports, provision of advice, training or presentations to Authority staff, outside organisations, land managers and others.
• Maintaining and developing the Authority’s ecological database. This will include paper/map-based work and the use of databases and GIS.

About You

You will have a degree in a relevant subject. You will have the ability to:

• Carry out Phase 1 and 2 Habitat Surveys, and have experience in botanical survey and Phase 2 habitat mapping.
• Assess the nature conservation importance of sites from a brief survey and recommend appropriate management.
• Work closely with others and communicate with land managers, farmers and other professionals.
• Write reports/advice to a high standard, and work to short deadlines.
• Articulate your sound understanding of ecological principles and habitat management for nature conservation.

About Us

The Peak District National Park was the first of Britain’s 15 national parks and is still enjoyed by millions, looking for both adventure and a breathing space to escape. It is also the most accessible due to its proximity to four major cities of the UK and its 38,000 residents. We recognise the importance of our national park, and our job is to speak up and care for the Peak District National Park for all to enjoy forever.

Further Information

If you have any questions about the role, please contact Anna Badcock. No agencies at this time, please.

Benefits

We offer a range of staff benefits, including flexi-time, a high-quality defined benefit pension scheme, 26-31 days' holiday (plus bank holidays) with the option to purchase more, volunteering leave and free parking at most of our offices. Please check out our Total Reward Brochure to see what else we offer.

Flexible Working

A range of flexible working options would be considered (you can choose to list some main options you would consider here; also, please list anything that you absolutely cannot consider, i.e., job-share, annualised hours, reduced hours, flexible work pattern, hybrid home/office working, etc.). If you would like to discuss this, please contact us.

Our Values

• Care – We care for the Peak District National Park, the people we work with and all those we serve. It’s at the heart of everything we do.
• Enjoy – We take pride in what we do and feel good about our contribution.
• Pioneer – We were born of pioneers. We will continue to explore opportunities to inspire future generations.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

The Peak District National Park Authority is committed to equal opportunities. We aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply and join us.

We are a “Disability Confident” employer and have committed to offering an interview to a proportionate number of applicants who declare a disability, if they meet the minimum criteria for the job. Please select 'Yes' if you wish to be considered under this basis.

Unfortunately, we cannot offer visa sponsorship; therefore, you will need to have the right to work in the UK before starting the role.

If you are unable to apply online and require a Word version of the application form, please contact us.