Job Details
- £527 a day
- Full time
The Ecologist will provide ecological advice and leadership to ensure the delivery of high-quality conservation outcomes, biodiversity net gain projects, and effective volunteer engagement. This role will be instrumental in developing and implementing ecological strategies, conducting field surveys, managing projects, and fostering strong relationships with stakeholders. In this role, through your passion for put in place the aspects of ecological conservation and biodiversity you will maintain and improve the Site of Special Scientific Interest, (SSSI) Special Protection Area (SPA) and Special Area of Conservation (SAC). It is essential to maintained within the legislation and Dstl Policy and balance the need to maintain a working MOD Range and wider construction on the Establishment site.
o To be responsible for the management and delivery of the objectives set within the Dstl PTN Stone Curlew Conservation Project.
o Ensure that all works required to maintain the Stone-Curlew programme are undertaken working with the Ecologist. There are legally mandated requirements to maintain the number of breeding Stone Curlew on the Porton Down SSI Site; the Stone Curlew Programme is in place to ensure this continues and any changes can be evidentially demonstrated. Any drop below the mandated numbers can result in Natural England taking control of the SSSI and in the worst case stopping all trials work.
o The Stone Curlew are classed as a Schedule 1 Bird under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (Protection of Birds) and, as such, all incidents impacting upon their care are reportable to the Secretary of State with substantial fines and prosecution where the Act is breached.
o Deliver the mandated and monitored actions to maintain the SSSI (Site of Scientific Special Interest), SPA (Special Protection Area) and the SAC (Special Area of Conservation) located across the PTN site. These sites, when combined, carry a range of legal obligations which are levied against Dstl.
o Ensure compliance with environmental regulations whilst facilitating the effective use of Dstl land for trials and operations. The Ecologist also serves as the essential link between Dstl, the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), and key government bodies such as Natural England.
o Understand and provide working knowledge of key legislation including the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017, and the Environment Act 2021 imposes strict obligations on organisations to prevent harm to protected species, habitats, and ecosystems all of which fall within the PTN site boundaries. Non-compliance will also result in reputational damage and substantial delay to operational support.
o Production of reports and provision of advice in support of Dstl operations, Trials and developments which may impact on the PTN SSSI, SAC, and SPA
o Management and maintenance of PTN conservation/ecological data to include the management of Recorder 2006 and the production and periodic review of the sites Business and Ecological Plans (BEPs)
o To be responsible for the management of the tasks required for the Environmental Change Network Project as the Projects designated Site Manager
o Agreed projects within the PTN Rural Maintenance Plan are planned and executed efficiently.
o Provision of data in support of Habitat Regulations Assessments & Sustainability Appraisals
o Ensuring that ECN/Conservation risk assessments, plans and control measures for both Dstl and contractors are suitable and sufficient and that they are monitored and reviewed as necessary;
o Authorised collection, collation and analysis of ecological data to support Dstl’s objectives and legislative duties
o Production of communications as instructed and authorised in line with the Dstl procedures for internal and external publications
o Work with the Rural Estate team in the protection and monitoring of the Stone Curlews as part of the Stone Curlew project.
o Understand the Archaeological area on the Dstl Range ensuring that it is maintained and does not fall into unfavourable status with the Regulator bodies
If you think this job role is for you, please send your CV to rebeccabentum@carringtonblakerecruitment.com
