Ecologist

Norfolk Rivers Trust’s ambition is to deliver catchment-scale change to our water environment, protecting our watercourses from pollution, improving habitat and ecological functioning of streams and rivers, and enhancing resilience to climate change.

It’s an exciting time for the Trust, having expanded to a team of 30 since its inception in 2011. We are currently delivering major projects such as river re-meandering and floodplain re-connections, providing farming and land management advice, establishing new constructed wetlands, reintroducing species, and engaging with the community.

The Rivers Ecology team, comprised of six dedicated members, undertakes consultancy work on behalf of Norfolk Rivers Trust, with all profits donated to the Trust. With our workload on the rise, we are now seeking an organised, self-motivated and experienced ecologist to join our team.

The successful applicant will primarily be completing baseline habitat surveys to support landscape recovery projects. Additionally, they will undertake protected species surveys and habitat assessments to contribute to the various exciting projects underway at Norfolk Rivers Trust and Rivers Ecology.

Job Description

Principal Responsibilities

Conducting UKHab classification surveys and habitat condition assessments. Conducting River Condition Surveys (with a focus on chalk streams). Report writing and producing habitat maps. Biodiversity Net Gain calculations. Assisting with other surveys (water vole, badger, electrofishing etc.) as required. Tendering for new contracts with the support of the team leader. From time to time, other duties as determined by Rivers Ecology/ Norfolk Rivers Trust management.

Person Specification

Education

Minimum HND/BSc in Ecology, Environmental Sciences, Geography or other Land Management related subject.

Experience and knowledge

Essential:

Clear commitment to vision and values of Norfolk Rivers Trust. Exceptional listening and communication skills, with a proven ability to influence multiple stakeholders. Ability to build and maintain relationships with partners and stakeholders. Good organisational and reporting skills. Experience of working in a multi-disciplinary organisation. Awareness of the need for confidentiality and sensitivity. Full UK driving licence with own car covered by business insurance is essential. Experience in undertaking habitat surveys and knowledge of assigning habitat codes using UKHab. Practical experience of Biodiversity Net Gain, including conducting condition assessments using the BNG condition assessment sheets. Good botanical identification skills.

Desirable:

GIS experience (QGIS or ArcPro). River Condition Assessment qualification. Field Identification Skills Certificate (FISC) Level 3 or above. CIEEM membership.

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