The Job: Ecologist (Part Time)

The Job: Ecologist (part time)

Responsible To: Senior Ecologist

Purpose of Job

To support the Senior Ecologist in securing and primarily delivering commissioned ecology contract work for a range of clients across Wildscapes’s operating region to industry accepted standards. The role will involve delivering work on time and on budget with a degree of autonomy. Helping support other salaried staff, volunteers, trainees and sub-contractors in ecology work, the postholder throughout the course of their work will also help contribute to the development and generation of new business opportunities for Wildscapes.

Main Responsibilities

1. Assisting the Senior Ecologist to secure ecology contract work through proactively responding to client enquiries, quote requests and tender opportunities in a timely fashion. 2. Responsibly advise clients on suitable survey methodologies and deliver a range of ecology work to industry accepted standards, on time and on budget. 3. Contribute to the generation of new business opportunities and specialisms to support the growth of Wildscapes including further utilisation of existing customers, contacts and the identification of new avenues for work with support from the Senior Ecologist and Team Leader. 4. Support the management and development of the ecology client database. 5. Provide ecological support to other salaried staff, volunteers and trainees. 6. Offer timely and accurate reporting of specific ecology project budgets to the Senior Ecologist and Team Leader as requested. 7. Adhere to Sheffield Wildlife Trust Health & Safety Policy and Procedures – including but not limited to: a. Safe and appropriate use of tools and equipment b. Risk assessment c. Lone working d. Tool store (Stokes depot) e. Ensuring sites are left in safe and secure condition f. Reporting of incidents. g. Data protection and confidentiality. 8. Contribute to the effective running of the operational base including equipment maintenance, checks and stocktaking. 9. Any other relevant duties required of the postholder at this grade. Job Specification

DETAILS OF EMPLOYMENT

Salary £ 20,718.78 pro rata (0.6FTE)

Terms of Employment: Temporary, to 31 October 2016

Working Hours: This position is being offered on a part time basis (0.6FTE), working pattern to be agreed. Due to the nature of the role, regular evening, occasional weekend and occasional overnight work stays will be required, for which time off will be allowed in lieu subject to T.O.I.L procedures.

Location: The post is based at Sheffield Wildlife Trust HQ, Victoria Hall, 37 Stafford Road, Sheffield, S2 2SF with regular travel required to worksites across the working region.

Annual Leave: Pro rata, based on a full time equivalent allocation of 20 days per year plus an additional three days to be taken between Christmas and New Year. The postholder will also receive a pro rata holiday bonus of one additional day for each full year worked for the first five years of full time service up to a maximum of five additional days. All above figures are pro rata for part time staff.

Transport provision: Suitable transport, to and from work sites will be provided where possible. The postholder must also have their own vehicle (with business insurance cover) for occasional use. Mileage costs reimbursed as per Sheffield Wildlife Trust policy.

Equal Opportunities: Sheffield Wildlife Trust is an equal opportunities employer and selection of applicants is based on merit Person Specification

Experience . At least two years’ experience of organising and delivering ecology contract work for a variety of clients in the public, private and third sectors. . Demonstrable experience of carrying out extended phase 1 habitat surveys (essential) and at least one of the following survey types (desirable): bats; badgers, great crested newts; water voles; birds or other specialist floral or faunal groups specified by the applicant (stating if you are Natural England licenced if appropriate). . Writing accurate survey briefs and fee quotes. . At least six months experience of using GIS systems (ideally MapInfo) to create site specific maps from own or others data (desirable). . Understanding of conservation management plans, Habitat Action Plans and Biodiversity Action Plans (desirable). . Delivery of project work on time and on budget. . Managing sub-contractors and assistants (desirable). . Delivery of work to high standards (including customer sign off). . Providing ecology support to a small team of salaried staff, volunteers and trainees. . Good project management skills. . Assisting with the generation of new business.

Knowledge

. Understanding of nature conservation, ecology (including survey techniques) and current environmental law. . Good understanding of health and safety principles and procedures. . Overview of practical site management issues and land management techniques. . Appreciates the need to delivery ecology services in a business-like manner. . IT systems including Microsoft Office and GIS (ideally MapInfo).

Qualifications

. Full driving licence (essential). . Natural England protected species licence holder (desirable). . First Aid at Work (or similar) qualified or the willingness to obtain (essential). . Excellent botanical identification skills (essential). . Educated to at least degree level in ecology or related subject (essential). . Membership of a relevant professional body such as CIEEM (desirable). Skills

. Capable of working cooperatively as part of a small team but also independently with minimal supervision. . Able to provide timely and appropriate support to other staff, volunteers and trainees. . Excellent ecology skills with a willingness to continue to develop professionally. . Ability to network and build relationships with customers, clients and stakeholders at all levels to help generate new business. . Good verbal and written communication skills – especially related to networking events, presentations, client liaison and final reports.

Personal Qualities . Flexibility to adapt to the needs of the business – including regular ‘out of hours’ working. . Ability to work under pressure using own initiative to plan and deliver work programme. . Mature, pragmatic, professional and business minded. . Ability to think strategically. . Attention to detail with a keen eye for quality. . High level of enthusiasm, motivation and optimistic outlook. . Commitment to high levels of customer service. . A commitment to biodiversity, conservation and the principles of sustainable development. . Able to engage well with people of all abilities and backgrounds. . Good level of physical fitness and the ability to work on remote sites not accessible by vehicle.