Ecologist

Ecologist

**Location**:
Preston, GB

**Department Name**:
AY Environment Manager, (Off Track), Indirect (850023) G2

**About Network Rail**:
Join Our Team at Network Rail

Investing in our people is key to enhancing the safety, reliability, and efficiency of our railway system. If you're passionate about making a meaningful impact, then this opportunity is for you

You will be part of the North West & Central Region (NW&C) which consist of three routes - North West, Central and West Coast South - and a regional team supporting Regional Major Programmes & Professional services.

LI-IM

**Brief Description**:
To provide ecological expertise to Works Delivery, including support and guidance to enable the environment management system to be integrated into the route teams to deliver legislative compliance.

**About the role (External)**:
1. Undertake and complete a range of Ecological field surveys, including protected species surveys and extended Phase 1 Habitat Surveys.

2. Collate, write up and review survey results and mapping target notes and review to identify appropriate recommendations.

3. Manage the implementation and embedding of recommendations to deliver continuous improvement.

4. Undertake and complete environmental impact assessments.

5. Lead the development of appropriate mitigation strategies, utilising results of surveys and liaising with Environmental Specialist’s and the Arboriculture team.

6. Analyse and interpret data, using specialist software programs. Produce periodic and ad hoc reports to a high technical standard within prescribed timescales.

7. Provide specialist ecological advice and guidance to site managers, engineers, planners and others associated with the undertaking and completion of surveys and / or assessments.

8. Develop and maintain effective working relationships with key internal and external stakeholders, including statutory bodies, local authorities and members of the public.

9. Assist in the production of environmental appraisal reports.

10. Carry out research as required.

In order to be successful in this role, we would like you to have/to be:

- Comprehensive field experience
- A relevant higher degree in Ecology, Zoology, Biological Sciences or other relevant Environmental Sciences
- Good understanding of UK and European wildlife legislation and best practice guidance experience
- Be able to identify baseline Ecological constraints during site visits
- Have significant experience of standard survey protocols and methodologies
- Ability to complete rare species surveys
- Good interpersonal, influencing, communication and organisation skills
- Task orientated team player
- Strong report writing skills

We would also like but it isn’t crucial to have/to be:

- Knowledge of operational railway environment
- Knowledge of ISO 14001 Environmental Management Standard
- Full/associate/graduate membership of Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM) (depending on experience)
- Experience attending client meetings and working with multi-disciplinary teams
- Competent with Microsoft Office
- Full UK driving licence

**Salary**: starting at £43,588 and rising to £49,037

**Drugs and Alcohol Standard**: