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. We are recruiting for an experienced Ecologist to provide support and become part of a dedicated and hardworking team at Network Rail.
The Ecologist role will be based within Exeter & Swindon, covering maintenance requirements across the Western Route, and 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, undertake fieldwork, and produce ecological reports to identify constraints that 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. This is a great opportunity to join Network Rail’s expanding Ecology team and develop in this role.
This role requires a task-oriented 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, requiring travel for 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 offers 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’.
Minimum Requirements
* Botanical skills to a Level 4 FISC - BSBI (or working towards)
* A relevant Master’s degree in Ecology or other relevant discipline.
* Protected species survey licences, e.g. dormice, bats, great crested newts.
* Knowledge of operational railway environment and PTS qualified.
* Experience of project management and/or coordination of project work.
Key Accountabilities
* Experience working within the field of ecology.
* Experience of leading and/or independently undertaking extended phase 1 habitat surveys and providing supervision of works as a project ecologist, and/or ECoW.
* A relevant undergraduate degree in Ecology, Zoology, Biological Sciences, or other relevant Environmental Sciences.
* A good understanding of UK and European wildlife legislation and experience in the application of best practice guidance.
* Ability to identify baseline ecological constraints during site visits.
* Experience of standard ecological survey protocols and methodologies.
* Ability to complete protected species surveys.
* Good interpersonal, communication, and organisation skills.
* Task-oriented team player.
* Strong report writing skills, including experience of writing method statements and survey reports.
* Membership of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM).
* Experience attending client meetings and working with multi-disciplinary teams.
* Competent with Microsoft Office and GIS.
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