Starting salary for the role is: £43,588.
Base location options include: Cardiff, Bristol or Swindon.
Permanent contract.
Brief Description Network Rail have a fantastic opportunity available for an experienced Ecologist based in the Wales & Western Region (main offices in Cardiff, Bristol, and Swindon). The role is part of the wider Director of Engineering and Asset Management (DEAM) team, specifically working in the ‘Weather Resilience and Sustainable Development’ team, addressing aspects of Sustainability in addition to Biodiversity. The Ecologist will report directly to the Environment Manager (Biodiversity), who leads biodiversity efforts across the Wales & Western Region. This team plays a crucial role in implementing the National Environment and Sustainability Strategy released by Network Rail, particularly in relation to Biodiversity. Previous experience in land management or writing biodiversity management plans is beneficial, as a primary responsibility will be producing habitat and vegetation management plans (HVMPs). This includes site visits and relevant Ecology surveys to inform the plans. The initial focus will be completing HVMPs for locations near designated sites and areas with imminent works planned. The Ecologist will also be involved in habitat management for Biodiversity, reviewing reports from external suppliers, conducting species and habitat surveys, and completing relevant report writing (including HRA, GIS mapping, and BNG calculations). Project management skills are favorable, as the role will involve collaboration with other teams on subcontractor procurement, tender evaluation, and managing ongoing surveys. While supporting the Environment Manager (Biodiversity), the Ecologist will represent Network Rail at external meetings, including biodiversity working groups and Nature Partnerships. Effective communication skills are essential for identifying potential opportunities for future partnerships with external stakeholders to achieve resilient ecological networks. The successful candidate will also consult with external bodies, including NRW, Natural England, and Local Authorities regarding licensing requirements or biodiversity matters. This role requires an experienced Ecologist who is a task-oriented team player with excellent communication skills, adaptable, and able to work in a fast-paced environment. The role involves survey and fieldwork requiring travel for site visits across the Route/Region; therefore, a driving licence is essential. Network Rail offers a competitive benefits package and wellness solutions, including: *paid membership of a professional body, *28 days annual leave, *5 paid volunteer days, *a range of discounted offers and access to ‘My Benefits’.
Additional Desirable Skills Botanical skills to a Level 3 FISC BSBI (or working towards completing the assessment). Knowledge of Natural Capital Accounting, including the use of Biodiversity Metric 4.0. A relevant postgraduate qualification in Ecology or a directly relevant discipline. Protected species survey licences (e.g., dormice, bats, great crested newts). Experience in project management and/or coordination of project work. Experience in completing protected species mitigation licence applications. Strong report writing skills, including method statements and survey reports (e.g., Extended Phase 1 Habitat Surveys, PEAs, Ecological Appraisals, and HRAs). Ability to work independently and make decisions regarding Ecology advice. Experience in land management, specifically related to Biodiversity or Ecology interests. Comprehensive understanding of UK and European wildlife legislation, including biodiversity policies for devolved countries (e.g., Environment Wales Act 2016). Significant practical experience identifying baseline Ecological constraints during site visits and providing guidance on mitigation measures and necessary permissions. Experience with standard survey protocols and methodologies, capable of completing protected species surveys. Good interpersonal, influencing, communication, and organisation skills. Ability to work under pressure, adapt, and meet deadlines.
Essential Skills, Experience, and Qualifications Comprehensive experience in the field of ecology. Experience leading and/or independently conducting extended phase 1 habitat surveys and supervising works as a project ecologist and/or ECoW. A relevant undergraduate degree in Ecology, Zoology, Biological Sciences, or other relevant Environmental Sciences. Good understanding of UK and European wildlife legislation and experience applying best practice guidance. Ability to identify baseline Ecological constraints during site visits. Experience with standard ecological survey protocols and methodologies. Ability to complete protected species surveys. Good interpersonal, communication, and organisation skills. Task-oriented team player. Strong report writing skills, including experience in method statements and survey reports.
Desirable Skills Membership of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM). Experience attending client meetings and working with multi-disciplinary teams. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and GIS. Full UK driving licence. Knowledge of the operational railway environment and PTS qualified.
Apply: Careers - Network Rail
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Brief Description Network Rail have a fantastic opportunity available for an experienced Ecologist based in the Wales & Western Region (main offices in Cardiff, Bristol, and Swindon). The role is part of the wider Director of Engineering and Asset Management (DEAM) team, specifically working in the ‘Weather Resilience and Sustainable Development’ team, addressing aspects of Sustainability in addition to Biodiversity. The Ecologist will report directly to the Environment Manager (Biodiversity), who leads biodiversity efforts across the Wales & Western Region. This team plays a crucial role in implementing the National Environment and Sustainability Strategy released by Network Rail, particularly in relation to Biodiversity. Previous experience in land management or writing biodiversity management plans is beneficial, as a primary responsibility will be producing habitat and vegetation management plans (HVMPs). This includes site visits and relevant Ecology surveys to inform the plans. The initial focus will be completing HVMPs for locations near designated sites and areas with imminent works planned. The Ecologist will also be involved in habitat management for Biodiversity, reviewing reports from external suppliers, conducting species and habitat surveys, and completing relevant report writing (including HRA, GIS mapping, and BNG calculations). Project management skills are favorable, as the role will involve collaboration with other teams on subcontractor procurement, tender evaluation, and managing ongoing surveys. While supporting the Environment Manager (Biodiversity), the Ecologist will represent Network Rail at external meetings, including biodiversity working groups and Nature Partnerships. Effective communication skills are essential for identifying potential opportunities for future partnerships with external stakeholders to achieve resilient ecological networks. The successful candidate will also consult with external bodies, including NRW, Natural England, and Local Authorities regarding licensing requirements or biodiversity matters. This role requires an experienced Ecologist who is a task-oriented team player with excellent communication skills, adaptable, and able to work in a fast-paced environment. The role involves survey and fieldwork requiring travel for site visits across the Route/Region; therefore, a driving licence is essential. Network Rail offers a competitive benefits package and wellness solutions, including: *paid membership of a professional body, *28 days annual leave, *5 paid volunteer days, *a range of discounted offers and access to ‘My Benefits’.
Additional Desirable Skills Botanical skills to a Level 3 FISC BSBI (or working towards completing the assessment). Knowledge of Natural Capital Accounting, including the use of Biodiversity Metric 4.0. A relevant postgraduate qualification in Ecology or a directly relevant discipline. Protected species survey licences (e.g., dormice, bats, great crested newts). Experience in project management and/or coordination of project work. Experience in completing protected species mitigation licence applications. Strong report writing skills, including method statements and survey reports (e.g., Extended Phase 1 Habitat Surveys, PEAs, Ecological Appraisals, and HRAs). Ability to work independently and make decisions regarding Ecology advice. Experience in land management, specifically related to Biodiversity or Ecology interests. Comprehensive understanding of UK and European wildlife legislation, including biodiversity policies for devolved countries (e.g., Environment Wales Act 2016). Significant practical experience identifying baseline Ecological constraints during site visits and providing guidance on mitigation measures and necessary permissions. Experience with standard survey protocols and methodologies, capable of completing protected species surveys. Good interpersonal, influencing, communication, and organisation skills. Ability to work under pressure, adapt, and meet deadlines.
Essential Skills, Experience, and Qualifications Comprehensive experience in the field of ecology. Experience leading and/or independently conducting extended phase 1 habitat surveys and supervising works as a project ecologist and/or ECoW. A relevant undergraduate degree in Ecology, Zoology, Biological Sciences, or other relevant Environmental Sciences. Good understanding of UK and European wildlife legislation and experience applying best practice guidance. Ability to identify baseline Ecological constraints during site visits. Experience with standard ecological survey protocols and methodologies. Ability to complete protected species surveys. Good interpersonal, communication, and organisation skills. Task-oriented team player. Strong report writing skills, including experience in method statements and survey reports.
Desirable Skills Membership of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM). Experience attending client meetings and working with multi-disciplinary teams. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and GIS. Full UK driving licence. Knowledge of the operational railway environment and PTS qualified.
Apply: Careers - Network Rail
#J-18808-Ljbffr
