Ecologist Officer

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.

In this role you will:

• 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.

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!

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.

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.
• 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.

Selection process details: This vacancy is using Success Profiles, and will assess your Behaviours and Experience. We want you to have your best chance of success in our recruitment process, so if at any stage of the application process you would like help or assistance please contact the Dstl Recruitment Team.

Sifting will take place week commencing the 16th June 2025 with interviews to be arranged from the 7th July 2025. Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security: Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check. Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed.

Nationality requirements: Open to UK nationals only. This job is not open to candidates who hold a dual nationality.

Working for the Civil Service: The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants. We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles.

Diversity and Inclusion: The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found.

Contact point for applicants: Job Contact Name: Dstl Recruitment Team Email: dstlrecruitment@dstl.gov.uk