Senior Ecologist - 12 months\' maternity cover in Buckingham

Environment Bank is a market-leading organisation focused on restoring natural habitats across England. Our projects are delivering biodiversity gains and helping vital ecosystems recover and flourish. Our diverse team includes ecologists, land managers, habitat specialists, geospatial analysts, planning advisors, account managers, digital creatives, legal experts, and more. We are committed to reversing biodiversity loss and growing as a driven organisation. We are expanding our team and actively seeking to recruit for a 12-month maternity contract, with the potential to become permanent at the end of the contract. We are specifically looking for candidates to live in the Bristol to Oxford to Buckinghamshire corridor, or nearby areas.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage Habitat Bank projects from initiation to creation and beyond, ensuring adherence to project timelines, budgets, and objectives.
• Undertake ecological survey work including site walkovers, UK Habitat Classification, habitat condition assessment and more specialised botanical survey work as necessary, with support and supervision from senior staff when needed.
• Analyse ecological data, interpret findings, and prepare Biodiversity Net Gain assessments and calculations utilising the Statutory Biodiversity Metric.
• Lead on habitat design and creation of Habitat Management Plans and associated strategies with technical support from the wider team.
• Use GIS for digital mapping and presentation of habitat baselines and habitat creation proposals.
• Liaise and build relationships with landowners and other stakeholders throughout the Habitat Bank process.
• Organise and undertake monitoring surveys for existing Habitat Banks and discuss/adapt management plans with landowners and land managers, with support and supervision from senior staff as appropriate.

Requirements

• A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in ecology, environmental science, biology, or a related field.
• A postgraduate degree in ecology or a specialised area is desirable.
• CIEEM Full or Associate Membership FISC Level 4 or equivalent botanical skills as per the Botanical Field Skill Pyramid.
• Proven experience conducting ecological surveys and assessments for Biodiversity Net Gain, use of the Statutory Biodiversity Metric and GIS tools.
• Solid grounding in UK ecology, including species identification, habitat classification, and conservation issues.
• Experience in practical habitat creation and management techniques within an NGO or agricultural setting (e.g., conservation grazing or forestry management).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret ecological data and provide evidence-based recommendations.
• Valid driving licence and willingness to travel to various project sites across the UK.

EDI & Belonging

At the heart of Environment Bank are the people who make it all possible. We employ individuals who share the same passion to live our Environment Bank mission and values. We believe that fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace makes us more innovative, dynamic, and competitive. We welcome individuals from all backgrounds, ethnicities, cultures, and experiences. We are committed to creating an environment where everyone is valued and respected, free from discrimination based on race, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or expression, or any other legally protected status.

Benefits

• Performance-based annual bonus up to 10% of salary.
• Pension scheme with employer-matched contributions at 6% of salary.
• 30 days of annual leave, plus paid bank holidays, birthday, and wellbeing day.
• Option to purchase 5 additional days of annual leave after probation.
• Remote and hybrid flexible working options.
• Regional and departmental team co-working days.
• Expenses-paid Whole Company Meet Twice a Year.
• Team fundraising and charity events.
• Ongoing career development with training and mentoring.
• Medical cash back scheme to cover everyday healthcare costs.
• Employee assistance mental wellbeing support.
• Enhanced sickness pay allowance.