Strategy and Regulation: Senior Ecologist – Maternity Cover
Salary: £30,394 to £37,992, dependent on experience + car allowance + pension + 25 days annual leave (pro-rata as required)
Location: Midway, Bradford with hybrid working. Part time working is also an option.
*This role is being offered on a temporary basis for 9 months, with a possible 3 month extension*
Who are we looking for?
We are currently recruiting for a Senior Ecologist to work with our Clean and Catchment Strategy Team, working with a team focused on delivering environmental improvements for our customers. The team will help drive environmental projects from inception and justification within our business plans, through to on the ground delivery alongside internal and external partners.
With biodiversity net gain (BNG) becoming mandatory this year, the management of our land holdings of c. 27,000 ha and our large programme of capital works, we are offering an exciting opportunity for a Senior Ecologist to become involved and make a difference. Every day will be different and while the focus of the role is on BNG, there is the opportunity to undertake surveys across the region from Wharfdale to Runswick Bay. This could be helping advise on managing orchids growing on service reservoirs in Sheffield, through to the impacts of abstractions on otter populations in the Yorkshire Wolds. A full UK driving Licence and your own car is therefore essential.
What will you be doing in the role?
As our Senior Ecologist, your primary focus will be helping embed the requirements of BNG across our construction practices, offering advice on the requirements of BNG by Local Authority and under changing Natural England guidance, as well as advising on biodiversity net gain metrics and reports compiled by external consultants. You will also:
• Work with project managers, designers and contractors to ensure our processes around BNG are efficient and drive good outcomes for biodiversity
• Work collaboratively with our internal land and property team to strategically look at biodiversity net gain and help design and deliver habitat creation
• Use the DEFRA metric as well as on occasion, undertake field surveys using the UK Habitat Classification methodology with the latest DEFRA metric condition assessments
• Help to analyse and manage our spatial ecological data in GIS and assist in responding to ecological queries from the wider business on various protected species.
Knowledge and Skills Required
Essential:
Our Senior Ecologist will have a strong ecological background with experience in habitat mapping and restoration, together with a passion for collaborative working with a variety of internal teams and external partners. With the ability to plan and undertake habitat mapping using UK Habitat Classification (to at least level 4 classification), you will also:
• Be able to use the DEFRA metric (currently on version 4.0 but experience of version 3.1 is also required), with competence in at least the habitat and linear modules
• Have previous experience in undertaking condition assessments of habitats using the DEFRA metric technical supplement
• Have experience of using the DEFRA metric to achieve BNG and proposing enhancements/creation of habitats while understanding limitations.
• Previously have worked on construction projects and with integrated design teams
• Demonstrate an in-depth ability in planning and phasing surveys, commissioning surveys and other monitoring, data analysis and interpretation
• Be competent in undertaking surveys to identify potential presence of protected species
• Competent with ArcGIS PRO, ArcGIS Online and using ArcGIS Field maps
• Be able to plan and manage your own workload and work with a degree of autonomy
• Hold a full UK Driving licence
Desirable:
• MoRPh trained.
• Experience with the watercourse module in the DEFRA metric
• Experience in undertaking HRA (both Screening and Appropriate Assessment) and preparing SSSI Assents
• CIEEM membership and/or a degree or postgraduate degree in a relevant discipline
• Protected species licensing and advising on wildlife law.
Ordinarily the role will be based in Bradford, however there is a network of Yorkshire Water offices across the region that can be utilised and the nature of the role allows us to accommodate hybrid working. We are also open to part time working.
If you feel this opportunity is suitable and you match the skills required, then please apply online and complete the application process. Please upload an up-to-date copy of your CV and cover letter, outlining your relevant experience for the role.
Recruitment Process:
Closing Date: Wednesday 7 June 2023
Interviews: From Tuesday 13 June 2023
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If successful for the role, you will be required to undergo pre-employment checks that will include a Basic Disclosure Check, carried out through a Third Party Company, prior to commencing employment. Depending on the role, you may also be required to go through the security vetting process for either a Counter Terrorist Check or Security Check clearance.
All our roles are subject to a medical questionnaire, and further medicals when required.
Kelda Group values equality, diversity and inclusion we believe that everyone should be treated with respect. We welcome applications from all individuals, regardless of gender, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, race, colour, ethnic or national origin, disability, age, religion or belief and trade union membership.
Kelda Group reserve the right to close this position before the published closing date, should the need occur. We therefore advise that you complete and submit your application as soon as possible.
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Senior Ecologist