Ecologist in March

Overview The role of Ecologist at MLC provides an attractive mix of practical and office-based duties. The right candidate will need to draw upon their experience of undertaking ecological appraisals of consent/planning applications, protected species and habitat surveys, mitigation and enhancement design and have strong ecological report writing skills.

Overview The role of Ecologist at MLC provides an attractive mix of practical and office-based duties. The right candidate will need to draw upon their experience of undertaking ecological appraisals of consent/planning applications, protected species and habitat surveys, mitigation and enhancement design and have strong ecological report writing skills.
The Ecologist will work with the Ecology and Environment Services Manager to ensure that the MLC's statutory environmental duties are met and exceeded, IDB ecological consultancy service packages are delivered, and to embed environmental and ecological best practice into all operations.
Generic Responsibilities Will Include, But Not Be Limited To

• Ecological appraisal of consent (planning) applications, providing direction to applicants to ensure compliance and secure environmental enhancement.
• Support of WaterLife Recovery East's water vole recovery and mink control project.
• Ecological survey and appraisal of non-routine and capital flood risk management works.
• Conduct protected species surveys including water vole, otter, badger, bats, birds, GCN and reptiles.
• Contribute to, or produce, high-quality ecological reports including survey reports, management plans, EcIAs, HRAs and SSSI assents.
• Ensure compliance with and administer IDB Class Licences for badgers and water voles.
• Devise and undertake ecological toolbox talks and Ecological Clerk of Works responsibilities.
• Practically participate in, and promote, the control of non-native species.
• Support the monitoring and maintenance of IDB-installed barn owl boxes.
• Respond to enquiries from the public regarding environmental matters.
• Attend to a nationally important eel pass and collect eel biometrics and trend data.
• Investigate reports of water pollution and liaise with the Environment Agency for resolution.
• Collate and submit data to Environmental Records Centres.
• Maintain and strengthen links to, and work with, local and national environmental organisations and stakeholders.
• Promote the environmental work, achievements and aspirations of the MLC and IDBs to outside organisations, government bodies and the general public.
• Write and submit relevant articles to be published in the industry publication, the ADA Gazette.
• Respond to national consultations on relevant environmental policy.
• Identify funding sources for environmental initiatives and apply for funding.
• Encourage an understanding and appreciation of the natural Fenland environment and the positive role that IDBs play in maintaining it.
  

Person Specification Essential

• Degree or equivalent in ecology or a relevant environment discipline.
• Strong and thorough understanding of wildlife and environment legislation, regulation and policy.
• Strong ecological report writing and presentation skills.
• Minimum 5 years working in ecology.
• Thorough understanding of planning legislation in relation to wildlife and habitat protection and appropriate mitigation measures that may be applied including BNG.
• Competent in undertaking a range of protected species surveys, habitat surveys, condition assessments, designing mitigations, management plans and enhancements.
• Knowledge and experience of managing wetland and riparian species and their habitat requirements, threats and legal protection.
• Confident working on your own initiative.
• IT literate with competency in GIS.
• Team player.
• Task-focused – strong time manager and deadline achiever.
• Clear and confident communicator – in writing and verbally.
• Proven ability to build and sustain stakeholder relationships.
• Experience in managing and monitoring service delivery and driving continuous improvement.
• Attention to detail.
• Record keeping.
• Full UK driving licence.
  

Desirable

• Hold or be working towards a relevant professional membership i.e. CIEEM or similar.
• Knowledge of flood and coastal risk management and the work and responsibilities of IDBs.
• Knowledge of BNG habitat condition assessments, enhancement design and use of the BNG metric.
• Protected species licence(s) holder and/or botanical expertise.
• Off road driving and use of 4x4 vehicles.
• Understanding of agriculture, farmland ecology and environmental stewardship.
  

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