Ecologist

As an Ecologist within the Advance Green Futures division of Advance Northumberland, you will be at the forefront of managing our ecology programme, supporting the work on our habitat banks and providing advice and guidance to arrange of colleagues across the business.

This is a new role in a new part of the company, offering a rewarding and exciting opportunity to make a significant difference to the business and to nature recovery.

Key Attributes for this role are:

• Demonstrable experience of habitat creation and management, ecological assessment and Biodiversity Net Gain.
• A good communicator and team player who can work as part of multi-disciplinary teams.

Our Values

We are looking for people who embody the Advance Northumberland values; people who are accountable and resilient, who are open to change with strong innovation skills. They will be collaborative; effective in relationship building and stakeholder engagement with the potential to build relationships effectively at all levels. They will demonstrate respect for our colleagues, our customers and our partners and be able to use their initiative in their work. They will be ambitious about their career and for the future success of Advance Northumberland, with a real customer and team focus; motivated and enthusiastic about their contribution to our success.

Who are we?

Overview

We are a diverse property and investment company who deliver opportunities to improve prosperity, tackle inequalities and drive economic growth in support of Northumberland County Council. We collaborate with stakeholders and partners to deliver positive physical and economic development and focus on the needs and aspirations of the county.

We have the recognition of being a Real Living Wage Employer, and other awards such as our Good Work Pledge, and the Ambassador Status for the Better Health at Work Award.

We have a mission to build a better future for people in Northumberland, as we focus exclusively on regenerating the county.

Role Profile

Job title: Ecologist

Role Purpose:

• To support Advance Green Futures in identifying, registering and delivering habitat banks and nature restoration projects.
• To develop and promote the ecology team, providing advice on ecological matters to the Group and other interested parties and stakeholders.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Play a key role in identifying and registering new habitat banks.
• Play a key role in the creation of habitat banks and habitat restoration/mitigation projects working with project teams and external contractors.
• Develop and promote the Group’s Ecology Service and habitat bank business
• Provide advice on ecological matters to colleagues and other interested parties and stakeholders.
• Support the development of the Graduate Ecologist, sharing knowledge and experience.
• Undertake Environmental and Ecological Assessments as required by the Advance Northumberland Group.
• Provide advice concerning the ecological implications of proposed developments and planning applications to ensure compliance with relevant legislation and policy and to further nature conservation across the Group.
• Provide advice concerning the conservation and enhancement of ecological resources to ensure compliance with relevant legislation and policy and to further nature conservation and sustainability across the Group.
• Provide advice on options to deliver the most appropriate outcome at any site to balance the maximisation of beneficial ecological and financial outcomes
• Devise briefs for assessments, studies and mitigation works necessitated by planning conditions
• Devise specifications for ecological works to be carried out by internal or external contractors
• Ensure adequate supervision of ecological works to be carried out by internal or external contractors
• Represent Advance Northumberland at various external groups as appropriate.
• Support the delivery of the Group’s Sustainability targets
• Deliver internal and external communications to foster engagement and champion ecology and sustainability.
• Provide specialist representation on internal and external working and steering groups.

Essential Criteria

You must have:

• Relevant degree and membership of the Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management/other relevant body.
• Experience and knowledge of habitat creation and management.
• Experience and detailed working knowledge of the Biodiversity Net Gain metric and processes including Habitat Management and Monitoring Plans (HMMPs).
• Experience of UK Habs survey and assessment including demonstrable relevant botanical experience.
• Knowledge and experience of GIS systems and digital surveying tools (ARC GIS, Coreo).
• Experience of Ecological Impact Assessment.
• Experience working in multi-disciplinary teams.
• Experience working with stakeholders including community groups and elected members.
• Experience of consenting regimes e.g. Natural England, Planning Consent, Environment Agency, Internal Drainage Board.
• Detailed understanding of ecological legislation and policy.
• Detailed knowledge of UK Habitat, species and Biodiversity Net Gain legislation
• Detailed knowledge of techniques for the conservation, management and enhancement of habitats and species.
• Knowledge of funding regimes and opportunities for land management.
• Full UK Driving licence.

It would be good but not essential if you also have:

• Protected Species Licences

Experience in:

• Land management
• Project management
• Financial management
• Supply chain management
• Livestock management & animal welfare