This is an exciting opportunity to work at one of the National Trust’s flagship countryside places, Buscot and Coleshill Estate in Oxfordshire. We are looking for an experienced ecologist to join our team, working closely with internal experts and local partners, to realise the Estate’s potential. You will play a key role in scoping, shaping and delivering our work to recover nature across the varied landscape of the 3000 hectare Estate.

We can offer between 15-22.5 hours a week. This can be discussed at interview.

What it's like to work here:The Estate has previously been at the forefront of revolutionary approaches to food and nature, with a succession of industry leading model farms in the 19th century and pioneering tenant farmers with organic milk in the 20th. This is, once again, a critical time for the Estate, as we begin to shape and plan what the Estate will look like in the future. At the centre of our vision is understanding how to deliver both food and nature, together in the landscape. In this role, you will make a significant contribution in ensuring that nature can thrive and the landscape flourish.

We're a hardworking and passionate team with a lot we would like to achieve. The role is based at the traditional Estate Office, set within the 19th century Home Farm, which is now the National Trust’s first Heritage and Rural Skills Centre. The Estate Office is close to 400 acres of parkland and there is a café and pub in the village. The office is a friendly and social place, but there can be hybrid working arrangements with a balance of office and remote working.

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What you'll be doing:You’ll be working closely with the Project Manager and the Countryside Team to develop and carry out a plan to baseline the Estate. This will include reviewing existing habitat and species surveys, completing and commissioning new surveys, and creating a long-term plan to monitor the site.

You’ll also work with the community and tenant farmers, to develop the long-term vision for the Estate, centred around putting food and nature together in the landscape. You will be providing expert input into the process of identifying areas of high potential for nature recovery across the landscape.

Working with National Trust staff and local volunteers, you'll arrange and run training and mentoring events, to upskill volunteers to support the delivery of surveys and monitoring. You’ll also be working carefully to interpret and present the results of surveys and monitoring for staff, volunteers, tenants and the wider public

Who we're looking forYou can view the full role profile for this role in the document attached. You don't need to have all the knowledge, skills and experience listed; this is just to provide a full picture of what is possible in this role. We’d love to hear from you if you have:

- Proven knowledge and identification skills for UK habitats and species and experience of standard survey, monitoring, and evaluation techniques.
- Experience in translating survey and monitoring data into effective land management guidance and plans.
- Ability to plan and deliver a programme of surveys to tight deadlines.
- Ability to build effective internal and external relationships, present ecological data to a range of audiences including the public, and work closely with volunteers.
- Evaluation and data analytical skills and knowledge of associated programmes, IT, GIS and biological recording systems.

The packageThe National Trust has the motto ‘For everyone, for ever’ at its heart. We’re working hard to create an inclusive culture, where everyone feels they belong. It’s important that our people reflect and represent the diversity of the communities and audiences we serve. We welcome and value difference, so when we say we’re for everyone, we want everyone to be welcome in our teams too.
- Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary
- Free entry to National Trust places for you, a guest and your children (under 18)
- Tax free childcare scheme
- Rental deposit loan scheme
- Season ticket loan
- Perks at work discounts i.e. gym memberships, shopping discount codes, cinema discounts
- Flexible working whenever possible
- Employee assistance programme
- Free parking at most locations
- Independent financial advice

Requirements :Compliance.Eligibility to Work in the UK
Fixed Term p/t (18.75 hrs pw to 16/01/26)