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- Tasks: Manage the Stone Curlew Conservation Project and ecological data at Dstl Porton Down.
- Company: Join Dstl, a leader in defence science, committed to environmental conservation.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, excellent pension contributions, and generous annual leave.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on biodiversity while working in a supportive, inclusive team.
- Qualifications: Degree in Ecology and experience in chalk grassland management required.
- Other info: Only UK Nationals can apply due to security clearance requirements.
The predicted salary is between 33769 - 43815 £ per year.
Apply before 11:55 pm on Sunday 15th June 2025
Salary: £37,769 - £43,815 (dependent on Skills & Experience)
Location: Dstl Porton Down, Salisbury, SP4 0JQ
About the job
Do you have a passion for the environment? The Ecological Officer is accountable to the Rural Estate Manager for the management and delivery of the objectives set within the Dstl Porton Down (PTN) Stone Curlew Conservation Project. They also ensure the Dstl Porton Down Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), Special Protection Area (SPA) and Special Area of Conservation (SAC) are maintained and managed in line with legislation and Dstl Policy. Dstl’s unique characteristics include its location on extensive chalk grassland, so the Dstl Ecological Officer will have practical working knowledge and experience of working within this environment and it will be one of their specialisms.
Dstl recognises the importance of diversity and inclusion as people from diverse backgrounds bring fresh ideas. We are committed to building an inclusive working environment in which each employee fulfils their potential and maximises their contribution.
Job description
- Be responsible for the management and delivery of the objectives set within the Dstl PTN Stone Curlew Conservation Project.
- Produce the Dstl PTN Stone Curlew Conservation Project Annual report documenting the outcome of the season's activities.
- Produce reports and provide advice in support of Dstl operations, Trials and developments which may impact on the PTN SSSI, SAC, and SPA.
- Manage and maintain PTN conservation/ecological data to include the management of Recorder 2006 and the production and periodic review of the site's Business and Ecological Plans (BEPs).
- Be responsible for the management of the tasks required for the Environmental Change Network Project as the Project's designated Site Manager.
- Agree projects within the PTN Rural Maintenance Plan are planned and executed efficiently.
Important Information
Our work in defence, security and intelligence requires our employees to be UK Nationals who are able to gain a high level of security clearance to undertake the projects we are involved in to protect us from security threats. For this reason, only UK Nationals will be able to apply for this role. If you are an international or dual-national candidate, and you think you have the skills we need, please consider applying to any of our government, security or defence partners. This role will require full UK security clearance and you should have resided in the UK for the past 5 years. For some roles, Developed Vetting will also be required; in this case, you should have resided in the UK for the past 10 years.
Person specification
You will bring:
- Professional experience of working in a chalk grassland environment to include landscape/habitat management.
- Identification of British chalk grassland flora and fauna, e.g. butterflies, birds (including their song), mammals, reptiles, plants etc.
- Experience of reporting the legislative requirements to external bodies on the SSSI, SAC, and SPA.
- Authorising the collection, collation and analysis of ecological data to meet legislative and strategic deliverables.
We will provide you the opportunity to be part of a great team, provide a valuable impact to the estate at Dstl & we offer great benefits and flexible working!
For a full job description detailing the essential skills & experience for this role, please see the Candidate Pack.
Qualifications
- Degree in Ecology
- Memberships CIEEM (Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management)
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Leadership
- Changing and Improving
- Making Effective Decisions
- Managing a Quality Service
We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form: Leadership
Benefits
Alongside your salary of £37,769, Defence Science and Technology Laboratory contributes £10,941 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Benefits Dstl’s full range of great benefits can be found in the information pack which includes:
- Financial: An excellent pension scheme starting from 26% employer contribution.
- In Year Rewarding Achievement bonuses and thank you vouchers.
- Rental deposit scheme and cycle to work scheme.
- Flexible working: Options include alternative working patterns such as compressed hours, job shares and annualised hours.
- Working hours: Flexibility around your working day.
- Ability to bank hours in a 12 month reference period including the ability to accrue and use 3 days per calendar month.
- Where you work: Depending on your role, blended working may be available including remote working to suit you and your team.
- Annual leave: 25 days pro rata (rising to 30 after 5 years) plus 8 public holidays with the ability to buy/sell 5 additional days per annum.
- Family: Maternity, adoption or shared parental leave of up to 26 weeks with full pay, an additional 13 weeks statutory pay and a further 13 weeks unpaid.
- Learning and Development: Dstl encourages and supports charterships, accreditations and provides employees access to fully funded apprenticeships up to level 7 (Masters Degree).
- Facilities: Onsite parking, EV Charging points, restaurants, cafés and gyms.
For further information and to apply, please click here.
Ecologist Officer - Defence Science and Technology Laboratory employer: Defence Science and Technology Laboratory
Contact Detail:
Defence Science and Technology Laboratory Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Ecologist Officer - Defence Science and Technology Laboratory
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific ecological challenges and conservation projects related to chalk grassland environments. Understanding the nuances of the Stone Curlew Conservation Project will help you demonstrate your passion and knowledge during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the ecology field, especially those who have experience with SSSIs, SPAs, and SACs. Engaging with relevant communities can provide insights and potentially lead to referrals that could strengthen your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on current legislation and best practices regarding ecological management in the UK. Being well-versed in these areas will not only prepare you for the role but also show your commitment to maintaining compliance and excellence in ecological practices.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your leadership experiences and how you've effectively managed projects or teams in the past. The selection process will assess your ability to lead, so having concrete examples ready will set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Ecologist Officer - Defence Science and Technology Laboratory
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of the Ecologist Officer position. Familiarise yourself with the Dstl PTN Stone Curlew Conservation Project and the specific requirements related to chalk grassland management.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in ecology, particularly in managing chalk grassland environments. Include specific examples of your work with British flora and fauna, as well as any legislative reporting you've done.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that showcases your passion for the environment and your understanding of the role. Address how your skills align with the job description and mention your commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Ensure you clearly list your degree in Ecology and any memberships with professional bodies like CIEEM. Mention any additional qualifications or training that may be relevant to the role, such as experience with ecological data management.
How to prepare for a job interview at Defence Science and Technology Laboratory
✨Know Your Ecology
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of chalk grassland ecosystems, including the flora and fauna specific to the area. Be prepared to discuss your experience with species identification and habitat management, as this will be crucial for the role.
✨Understand the Legislation
Familiarise yourself with the legislative requirements related to Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), Special Protection Areas (SPA), and Special Areas of Conservation (SAC). Being able to articulate how you have navigated these regulations in past roles will demonstrate your suitability for the position.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Be ready to discuss any previous projects you've managed, particularly those involving conservation or ecological data management. Highlight your ability to plan, execute, and report on projects effectively, as this is a key responsibility of the Ecologist Officer.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Leadership
Since the role involves working closely with a team, be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others. Discuss any leadership experiences you have, especially in managing teams or projects, as this aligns with the behaviours they are looking for.
