Ecologist

Are you able to navigate emerging funding mechanisms and blend it with your solid ecological knowledge to secure good outcomes for nature? We’re looking for an experienced ecologist/environmental planner, with strong project management and collaboration skills to drive forward our activity on Biodiversity Net Gain.

You’ll support our teams develop and deliver best practice in support of our ambition for nature. With technical and practical ecological skills, you will support developing the National Trust’s approach to BNG helping us go beyond statutory compliance and secure strategic opportunities to establish best practice across the UK.

What it's like to work here:With nature and climate high on the National Trust’s agenda our ambition is to ensure we play our part in delivering for the nation. This exciting new role will do just that, sitting within our national Nature & Science team you will support the design and delivery of our biodiversity net gain activity across England.

Working with colleagues across operational teams, internal and external consultancy you will help manage and develop our BNG programme to ensure ours and others’ impacts are properly compensated for through this new statutory regime. You will also support other projects and activities for the team that support nature’s recovery and evidence the difference we are making.

Your contractual location will be our head office in Swindon and there will be an expectation for you to attend the office. However, there is flexibility on where you are based at other times. You will be required to work at a National Trust location for 40-60% of your working week. This will be discussed in more detail at interview.

What you'll be doing:You’ll use your project/programme management skills to support the development and delivery of a Trust wide approach to BNG.

Using your ecological knowledge and experience you will develop technical and operational guidance to ensure we develop and deliver best practice and will work with colleagues and partners to share learning and training in BNG.

Based on your experience ensure that BNG (and other novel finance mechanisms) you’ll fully contribute to meeting our nature ambitions across 250,000ha estate, monitoring and reporting to evidence our impact.

Working with operational colleagues and partners to realise the potential of BNG to deliver our nature conservation land use change ambition.

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 in the role profile; this is just to provide a full picture of what is possible in this role. For this position we’re looking for someone who has:

- A strong background in ecology or practical nature conservation (technical expertise in habitat surveying and mapping a distinct advantage)
- Knowledge and understanding of environmental and planning laws and policies in England
- Experience of project and programme planning, management and delivery, at scale and with multiple partners/stakeholders
- Interpersonal skills and thrive on working collaboratively. Demonstrable consulting skills of listening, building trust and delivering as promised
- Organisational and excellent communication skills; relevant IT skills for project management
- Self-led and proactive, able to identify opportunities and develop them independently

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 such as gym memberships, shopping discount codes, cinema discounts
- Flexible working whenever possible
- Employee assistance programme
- Free parking at most Trust places
- Independent financial advice

Requirements :Compliance.Eligibility to Work in the UK
Fixed Term p/t (18.75 hrs pw to 30/06/26)