At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead ecological surveys and enhance habitats for bittern recovery in Somerset.
- Company: Join Somerset Wildlife Trust and be part of a vital conservation initiative.
- Benefits: Enjoy 33 days holiday, flexible working, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a passionate team dedicated to restoring England's wildlife.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on wildlife and communities while working outdoors.
- Qualifications: Experience in ecology and volunteer management is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 30000 £ per year.
Salary: £30,000 Band Level 3 Fixed Term until end of March 2029
Closing date: Friday 31 July 2026
Contract type: Fixed term / Working hours: Full time
Location: Callow Rock, Shipham Gorge, Cheddar
Opportunity for hybrid working
This exciting new role is a part of the Natural England Species Recovery Programme. The "Wild Again: Restoring England's Wildlife" initiative aims to enhance threatened species populations across the UK. Somerset Wildlife Trust are excited to lead the Bolstering the Somerset Bittern (Botaurus stellaris) population project.
The Project Ecologist will be responsible for delivering habitat and bittern species surveys across the Somerset Levels and Moors project area. This will include assessing a range of reedbed and wetland mosaic types to assess suitability for bittern, as well as engaging and advising landowners on habitat enhancement. Supported by Somerset Wildlife Trust staff, landowner engagement will involve the identification of improvement works funded by the project. The survey work will be completed with the support of a new, dedicated volunteer group led by the Species Recovery Project Ecologist.
Job Description - Key Responsibilities and Tasks
- Responsibility 1: Lead Ecological Surveys
- Leading bittern, reedbed, and wetland mosaic habitat surveys across the project area (Somerset Levels and Moors).
- This work includes surveying on private land, as well as National Nature Reserves owned by SWT, RSPB, and Natural England.
- Keeping up to date with SWT data handling & reporting standards, particularly in close collaboration with Somerset Environmental Records Centre (SERC).
- Working closely with the Project Manager for the BSB project, sharing specialist species knowledge, reporting project progress, being involved in project meetings, and recording volunteer hours.
- Responsibility 2: Enhance Habitat Conditions
- Improve reedbed and wetland mosaic sites by identifying key sites for restoration and/or enhancement, supported by specialist habitat knowledge and SERC.
- Collaborating with SWT's Honeygar Land Management and Monitoring Manager to engage local landowners and organisations around the Avalon Marshes area with the aim of habitat restoration and/or enhancement for bittern recovery.
- Advising landowners across the Somerset Levels project area on habitat enhancement and restoration, identifying and allocating use of project funding to support work on private land.
- Ensure best communication practices that are in line with SWT standards.
- Responsibility 3: Manage Volunteers
- Provide leadership and support by providing leadership and mentoring to volunteers so that they can conduct species and habitat surveys without direct supervision.
- Working with SWT's Volunteering & Community Support Officer to ensure best practice when engaging and recruiting volunteers, including following SWT safety procedures and capturing issues raised by volunteers.
- Contributing to the recruitment & promotion of volunteers for the new bittern survey group, which involves working closely with the Project Manager and SWT Marketing & Communications team.
Additional Information
Interested in joining us? We'd love to hear from you. Please complete the SWT Job Application Form or click below to submit your application.
We offer some fantastic benefits including:
- Life assurance
- An annual professional institution subscription if applicable
- Flexible and agile working
- Diversity networks through RSWT/TWT
- Continuous Professional Development opportunities
- 33 days of holiday (25 + bank holidays)
The opportunity to make a real and positive difference to nature, communities and the climate.
Project Ecologist - Species Recovery in Cheddar employer: Somerset Wildlife Trust
Somerset Wildlife Trust is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to the vital Species Recovery Programme while working in the beautiful surroundings of Cheddar. With a strong commitment to employee growth through continuous professional development and a supportive work culture that values diversity and collaboration, staff can enjoy a fulfilling career dedicated to enhancing wildlife and engaging with local communities. The hybrid working model and generous holiday allowance further enhance the appeal of this role, making it an ideal choice for those passionate about conservation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Ecologist - Species Recovery in Cheddar
✨Get Involved in Local Environmental Initiatives
Dive into your local environmental scenes, like community clean-up projects or eco-focused events. Not only will you meet like-minded people, but it's a surefire way to showcase your passion and skills in environmental engineering tech.
✨Join Industry-Specific Organisations
Check out organisations like the Institution of Environmental Engineers for networking opportunities and resources. They often host events and seminars that can help us connect with key players in the industry, including potential employers like Somerset Wildlife Trust.
✨Show Off Your Projects and Passion
Create a portfolio that highlights any relevant projects, whether it's coursework, internships, or personal initiatives. Share this online, perhaps even on platforms like GitHub or your own website, to grab the attention of hiring managers looking for talent like us.
✨Utilise Environmental Job Boards
Take advantage of niche job boards dedicated to environmental careers. Sites like Green Jobs, Environmental Career and EcoJobs often feature openings from companies like Somerset Wildlife Trust and can help us land that full-time gig.
We think you need these skills to ace Project Ecologist - Species Recovery in Cheddar
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for a role in environmental engineering tech, make sure to highlight your technical skills like CAD software proficiency, data analysis, or modelling techniques. These are essential for the job and should stand out in your CV and cover letter, showing how you can contribute to projects at Somerset Wildlife Trust.
Demonstrate Your Passion for Sustainability:In this field, showcasing your passion for sustainability and environmental protection can set you apart. Include any relevant projects, volunteer experience, or courses that underline your commitment to these causes. Somerset Wildlife Trust will appreciate candidates who genuinely care about making a difference.
Tailor Your Application to the Role:Don't just send a generic CV and cover letter. Make sure to tailor your application to the specific role of Project Ecologist - Species Recovery at Somerset Wildlife Trust. Highlight experiences that align directly with the job description and give concrete examples of your work to demonstrate that you’re the right fit for a full-time position.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have certifications related to environmental engineering or technology, like LEED Accreditation or any relevant software certifications, make sure to mention them. These qualifications can boost your application and show that you’re serious about your professional development in this competitive field.
How to prepare for a job interview at Somerset Wildlife Trust
✨Brush Up on Environmental Regulations
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest environmental regulations and standards. In an environmental engineering tech role at Somerset Wildlife Trust, you might be asked specific questions about compliance measures, so understanding these will definitely give you an edge.
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Prepare to demonstrate your proficiency with relevant tools and software, such as AutoCAD or GIS. You might be given a practical problem to solve during the interview, so it’s a great idea to brush up on these skills and perhaps even bring a portfolio of your projects to showcase your technical prowess.
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sustainability
In a full-time role, employers are looking for commitment and enthusiasm. Share your experiences, studies, or projects that reflect your passion for environmental sustainability. This will show Somerset Wildlife Trust that you're not just qualified but genuinely invested in the field.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Be ready for behavioural questions that assess how you handle teamwork, conflict, and project management. Think of examples from your studies or practical experiences where you tackled challenges effectively, showcasing both your technical and interpersonal skills.
