Ecologist

We have ambitious plans for our nature conservation work across Northern Ireland and need a brilliant Ecologist to work closely with our teams on the ground.

You'll play a key part in demonstrating the effectiveness of our nature conservation work across a wide range of protected sites, undesignated priority habitats and areas under habitat restoration / creation. You'll carry out habitat and species’ surveys, translate data into effective land management advice and assist in reporting on programme delivery and grant claims.

This is a DAERA Environment Fund supported post, offering the opportunity to inspire, coach and train rangers and volunteers to increase their ecological skills and knowledge to become more self-reliant.

You'll be out and about promoting our monitoring work with volunteers and visitors through training, events, and citizen science projects.

What it's like to work here:The National Trust cares for a fascinating and varied group of properties across Northern Ireland. You’ll have the opportunity to work on a fantastic range of estates and countryside sites; from the magnificence of Crom and Castle Ward estates, to the scenic beauty of the North Coast and the unique landscapes of Fermanagh. You'll get the chance to make a real difference for nature, working alongside a dedicated team of multi-disciplinary specialists.

Rowallane Garden, Saintfield, will be your contractual location. Travel across N. Ireland for survey work is essential for the delivery of the project, but we encourage video calls and virtual meetings where possible.

What you'll be doing:You'll be working with our Countryside teams to develop and implement a monitoring programme to ensure habitat baseline and follow-up surveys are carried out when required.

You'll support in improving data capture through our Priority Habitat Condition Assessment app and other relevant survey / monitoring methodologies and will translate data into effective land management advice and assist with updating our site-specific Management Plans. You'll ensure consistent reporting against relevant strategies / action plans and will increase the scope of environmental data submission to national monitoring schemes.

You'll identify training needs and work with our Land & Nature team to deliver training to upskill staff and volunteers.

**Please read the Role Profile and Role Profile Context sheet attached for more information about the role.**

Who we're looking forTo be successful in this role, you will need
- Good understanding of ecology and land management with a relevant degree or number of years' experience working in the countryside in an area related to ecology or nature conservation.
- Good field identification skills across a range of habitats found in Northern Ireland
- Experience in a range of ecological survey and monitoring techniques.
- Enthusiasm for working as part of a team, with good experience of team working alongside staff and volunteers.
- To be computer literate, using MS software packages and with good GIS skills.
- Good written and verbal communication skills including ability to write concise and coherent reports for project management, marketing-communication work, social media, etc.

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 f/t (37.5 hrs pw to 30/11/26)