Senior Ecologist (Species Reintroductions and BNG) in Doncaster

We are seeking to hire a dynamic and passionate Senior Ecologist to join The Lifescape Project, to play an integral role in the restoration of charismatic species to the UK and in landscape scale habitat restoration.

To apply please email sarah.hyslop@lifescapeproject.org a CV and covering letter (each no longer than 2 pages of text) outlining how you meet the person specification and why you should be considered for this role.

Closing Date: 9am on 20 October.

About us

We are a small but growing UK-registered charity which undertakes projects that protect and restore wild landscapes, helping to provide a future for all life on earth. We use the skills and expertise of our multi-disciplinary team (spanning science, law, economics, technology and culture) to develop projects that protect and restore wild, natural landscapes.

Our ecological work spans two exciting fronts: restoring missing species through projects like The Missing Lynx Project, Pine Marten and White-Tailed Eagle reintroductions in Northern England; and securing the protection of ecological restoration sites as a Responsible Body for conservation covenants through which we aim to set the gold standard, supporting ambitious, mission-aligned projects such as Nattergal’s High Fen site.

Job purpose and key responsibilities

Your work will cover two areas: BNG-associated site assessments, and practical planning and feasibility aspects of species reintroductions.

BNG-associated work

We hold conservation covenants as a Responsible Body and you will support the legal team who run this project. You will have full responsibility as the leading BNG ecologist in the organisation, to:

• Review baseline assessments, Habitat Management and Monitoring Plans (HMMPs), metric calculations, and audit reports; maintain accurate records and report on findings
• Conduct nationwide (England) site visits to verify landowner assessments, plans and documentation
• Manage the quoting process, enquiries, and registers for covenants
• Develop clear processes, guidance and templates to support landowners and manage ecological risk
• Provide ecological expertise to the legal team on habitat creation/management and covenant compliance
• Assist with systems for ongoing ecological reviews, specifications and data management
• Collaborate with the economics team to integrate Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) into wider nature-based solutions

Species reintroduction work

In relation to our species reintroduction projects, you will:

• Manage the completion of a Habitat Regulation Assessment (HRA) for White-Tailed Eagles and ideally also the White-Tailed Eagle Disease Risk Assessments (DRA) by external contractors.
• Manage the review process of HRA and DRA for lynx.
• Design and complete assessments of the impact of species reintroductions; and assess the evidence base for the suitability of species reintroductions such as dietary needs, habitat, and risk
• Contribute to project design and development, including team structure, monitoring and evaluation strategies
• Lead aspects of the restoration work of the 100 acre Birchfield site in Scotland.
• Be involved in the line management of other team members.

You will be line-managed by the Lead Ecologist, Dr Deborah Brady and will collaborate closely with Stephanie Smith, our Managing Lawyer – Rewilding Law on the BNG part of the role.

You will also be in day to day contact with other members of the Lifescape team as well with other environmental organisations and collaborators working with us on our projects.

This list is not exhaustive, and the selected candidate will be required to undertake other relevant tasks depending on their skills, experience, qualifications and their desire to develop their potential and grow the role.

Person specification

This role is likely to suit ecologists with at least 6 years’ working experience as an ecologist and with experience of project and line management.

Education and training

• Relevant degree (essential) – e.g. a degree in Ecology or Conservation
• Relevant masters or PhD (desirable)
• Qualifying member of CIEEM.
• MoRPH accreditation (or equivalent skills with plan to be accredited).
• FISC Level 4 minimum (or equivalent skills with plan to be accredited).
• Outdoor First Aid qualification (desirable)

Experience and knowledge

You will have strong general ecological knowledge including:

• Proven botanical experience (UKHab and higher-level surveys such as NVC, hedgerow as well as BNG habitat condition assessment).
• Excellent general knowledge of ecology/conservation and ability to quickly build a strong knowledge base relating to specific species/habitats.

You will have strong ecological monitoring knowledge including:

• Knowledge of ecological survey methods and requirements for species and habitats appropriate to the BNG policy and metric.
• Knowledge and understanding of the principles and application of BNG legislation, policy and practice.
• Ability to populate and interpret the Defra Metric.
• Experience developing habitat enhancement, creation and management strategies and the ability to critically analyse Habitat Management and Monitoring Plans prepared by third parties.
• Proven experience in scoping, designing, pricing and delivering ecological surveys and schemes in a BNG/ development/ planning setting.
• Experience of remote monitoring of mammal / bird species.
• Experience of field monitoring of mammal / bird species.
• An understanding of ecological habitat and/or viability modelling.
• Experience of impact assessments such as Habitat Regulation Assessment and ideally Disease Risk Assessment.

You will have good knowledge of the conservation field including:

• An awareness of the social, cultural and political landscape in the UK and how this reflects on land use change.
• Experience of working on wildlife translocations and reintroduction /reinforcement projects.
• Experience working on rewilding or ecosystem restoration.

Key Competencies

• Willingness to travel within the UK (driving licence and own transport required); comfortable with independent/lone working outdoors
• Strong organisational skills: ability to prioritise, meet deadlines, and work effectively under pressure
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with confidence in representing Lifescape at meetings, forums, and public events
• Self-motivated, enthusiastic, and able to work independently as well as part of a team
• Proven ability to lead, manage, and collaborate with individuals and teams to achieve project goals
• Strong research, report writing, and analytical skills (including literature reviews and Excel-based quantitative analysis)
• Creative problem-solving and ability to work flexibly across topics and projects
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and the use of remote collaborative work platforms such as SharePoint.
• Fluent English (CEFR Level C2)
• Commitment to non-profit and public-interest advocacy for nature
• Experience using GIS software

Diversity and Inclusion

Diversity and inclusion are important principles for The Lifescape Project. We want to make a career in nature conservation accessible to everyone. We welcome all applicants who meet most or all of the essential competencies regardless of their identity or background, and we\'re striving to create an inclusive team.

We acknowledge that candidates from more diverse backgrounds may be reluctant to apply for jobs unless they meet all of the job specification criteria. We encourage anyone to apply who can demonstrate the variety of skills and experiences relevant to meeting the requirements of the role, even if you feel that you do not complete fulfil every criteria.

Location

You will be largely home based with travel to our BNG sites across England and some travel for projects with a regional focus, such as the Missing Lynx Project in northern England/southern Scotland and White-Tailed Eagles in Cumbria. There may be some European travel to support our ecology work.

The full team meets in person at least three times a year. These are multi-day meetings, usually held in UK and European areas relevant to rewilding. The nature of the work means that we are in very regular contact on Teams etc, ensuring a strong connection amongst the team.

Salary and benefits

• Initially a 12-month post with the intention for it to become permanent, subject to funding. The species reintroduction aspects of the role are a maternity cover post. Prior to the role becoming permanent there will be a discussion and agreement around the scope of responsibilities.
• Starting salary of £40,000-42,000 per annum, with performance based increases if the role becomes permanent.
• Flexible working hours are welcome and can be agreed with the successful candidate, as can temporary international remote work outside country of residence.
• Benefits including 36 days of annual leave (28 not including public holidays), expenses paid annual Lifescape retreat and two in person staff meetings per year, full pension, remote work and training budgets, and provision of computing equipment, full work travel expenses and mileage paid. We also subscribe to a 24/7 unlimited Employee Assistance Programme, so there is always someone for you to talk to if you need support.

The role will commence as soon as possible.