Ecologist - Peatland Restoration Programme (Fixed Term)
Reference: MAY20233962
Location: Flexible in Scotland
Salary: £30,940.00 - £33,215.00 Per Annum
Hours: Full-time
Contract: Until 31st March 2026
Benefits: Pension Scheme, Life Assurance Scheme, 26 days' Annual Leave
This leading nature conservation charity's Ecology Team play a critical role in supporting conservation delivery across a network of over 200 nature reserves. From designing habitats to monitoring species, this specialist advice can make a real difference in nature conservation. They seek a knowledgeable, dynamic, and passionate ecologist to contribute to the implementation of large-scale peatland restoration across their nature reserves in Scotland.
What's the role about?
This critical role will assist in the development and delivery of landscape scale peatland restoration programmes by providing technical advice to Reserves Teams, Peatland Project Managers, Peatland Officers, Funding Teams, and Rural Surveyors. You will use your specialist technical knowledge to design peatland restorations, ensuring techniques are applicable and appropriate for their nature reserves in Scotland, and monitor the impacts. You will be involved in applying to innovative funding and carbon financing schemes to support this work. Core activities include advising local project teams on the most effective peatland restoration activities across a range of areas in Scotland. This will involve the collection of data regarding the current condition of the peatland, the quantification of erosion features and associated remedial works. A proficiency in the use of GIS will be required to collate and manage spatial data collected from ground surveys and UAV. You will also take a lead role in designing survey and monitoring activities to assess the effectiveness of restoration management. Raising awareness of the importance of peatlands to internal and external audiences and building positive relationships with external partners and stakeholders will be key. The role will also liaise with their Communications teams to contribute to relevant media and social media communications.
Essential skills, knowledge and experience:
- Extensive knowledge of ecology and habitat management with specialist knowledge of upland and peatland ecosystems
- Knowledge of peatland restoration techniques
- Ability to translate technical ecological knowledge into land management practice
- Experience of carrying out research, survey and monitoring in upland environments
- Ability to analyse data and to write clear and concise reports
- Physical fitness and ability to confidently and safely access and work in remote areas, in challenging terrain and adverse weather conditions
- Ability to work alone and under own initiative as well as part of a multidisciplinary team including working collaboratively with other partner organisations.
- Experience of using statistical & GIS mapping packages
- Ability to work flexibly and travel widely throughout Scotland, often without the use of public transport, a UK driving licence is essential
- Degree or equivalent experience in a relevant subject
Desirable skills, knowledge and experience:
- Knowledge of project management principles and applications
- Experience of peatland restoration planning and on-site assessments
- Knowledge and understanding of the potential delivery mechanisms for peatland restoration including Peatland ACTION, AECS, the Peatland Code and other carbon financing schemes
- Understanding of consents procedures
- Experience of partnership working with other organisations
- Experience of nature reserve management planning
- Experience in dealing with press and media
- A relevant MSc or PhD
They reserve the right to extend or make this role permanent without further advertising dependent on business needs at the end of the contract term.
Closing date: 23:59, Wednesday, 14th June 2023
Interview dates will be arranged in due course.
Application Process:
To find out more information, please click the apply button. You will be taken to a simple CHM Recruit form and then redirected to complete your application for this position.
They are committed to developing an inclusive and diverse organisation, in which everyone feels supported, valued, and able to be their full selves. To achieve their vision of creating a world richer in nature, they need more people, and more diverse people, on nature’s side. People of colour and disabled people are currently underrepresented across the environment, climate, sustainability, and conservation sector. If you identify as a person of colour and/or disabled, they are particularly interested in receiving your application. Contact them to discuss any additional support you may need to complete your application.
They are a licenced sponsor. This role is eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship.
They are an equal opportunities employer. This role is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
No agencies please.
