Brief Description
Network Rail are expanding their in-house Ecology expertise and have a fantastic new opportunity available on the Western Route in the Maintenance Delivery Unit that covers the. We are recruiting for an experienced Ecologist to provide support and become part of a wider dedicated and hardworking team at Network Rail.
The Ecologist role will be based within the Exeter & Swindon covering maintenance requirements across Western Route, reporting directly to the Off-Track Maintenance Engineer. The role will mainly involve providing ecology survey support, advice and on-site supervision in relation to Ecology.
The Ecologist will work alongside the lineside and drainage maintenance teams The Ecologist will undertake fieldwork and produce ecological reports, to identify constraints to inform the delivery of works. The role will also involve supervision of works as an ecological clerk of works.
Network Rail has recently released a National Environment and Sustainability Strategy: and the ecologists working in-house at Network Rail are integral to implementing the objectives of this strategy, in relation to Biodiversity. We also have Ecologists working in other areas of the business across the Wales & Western Region, so this is a great opportunity to join Network Rail’s expanding Ecology team and develop in this role.
This role requires a task-orientated team-player with excellent communication skills. Project management skills would be favourable, as the role involves working with other relevant teams on the procurement of subcontractors, tender evaluation, and management of ongoing surveys. There will be an opportunity for the right candidate to develop this skillset in the role, with the support of the wider team.
The Ecologist role will also involve survey fieldwork, this will require travel in order for the applicant to be able to undertake site visits across the Western Route therefore a full driving licence is essential. The successful candidate will be provided use of a vehicle for work purposes.
Network Rail offer a competitive benefits package and wellness solutions which includes: *paid membership of a professional body, *28 days annual leave, *5 paid volunteer days, *a range of discounted offers and access to ‘My Benefits’.
Additional Desirable
1. Botanical skills to a Level 4 FISC - BSBI (or working towards)
2. A relevant Master’s degree in Ecology or other relevant discipline.
3. Protected species survey licences, e.g. dormice, bats, great crested newts.
4. Knowledge of operational railway environment and PTS qualified
5. Experience of project management and/or coordination of project work.
About the role (External)
Key Accountabilities
6. Experience working within the field of ecology
7. Experience of leading and/or independently undertaking extended phase 1 habitat surveys and experience of providing supervision of works in the role of project ecologist, and/or ECoW.
8. A relevant undergraduate degree in Ecology, Zoology, Biological Sciences, or other relevant Environmental Sciences.
9. A good understanding of UK and European wildlife legislation and experience in the application of best practice guidance.
10. Be able to identify baseline Ecological constraints during site visits
11. Have experience of standard ecological survey protocols and methodologies.
12. Ability to complete protected species surveys.
13. Good interpersonal, communication and organisation skills.
14. Task orientated team player.
15. Strong report writing skills, including experience of writing method statements and survey reports.
Desirable
16. Membership of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM).
17. Experience attending client meetings and working with multi-disciplinary teams.
18. Competent with Microsoft Office and GIS.
19. Full UK driving licence.