Ecologist

Join the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) and have a future that matters: Be proud; Be challenged; Be unique. 

The Opportunity

The MOD estate has been described as the finest estate for wildlife in the UK. It supports over 84,000 ha of Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). This is an exciting and rare opportunity to be part of a team of ecologists that manages the estate and works with a diverse range of users and stakeholders to ensure it continues to support national defence requirements alongside a fantastic wildlife resource.

Job Description

The Ecologist (SW) operates within the Environmental Support & Compliance Team (ES&C). It will provide advice on ecology and natural environment issues primarily on Salisbury Plain Training Area (SPTA), which includes over 22,000 ha of SSSI, but also across other sites in the SW of England and potentially on other parts of the defence estate in the UK or overseas. This role will support MOD infrastructure developments and operations; act as Competent Authority for Habitats Regulations Assessments; secure Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) assents for a range of defence activities; develop and maintain a costed and prioritised SSSI Programme; support development of natural environment and designated site management plans; undertake stakeholder engagement at a local, regional and where appropriate national level; and much more.

Main Responsibilities

• Manage and prioritise a busy workload. Plan and undertake training and development to ensure skills are kept up to date. Promote strong working relationships both within the DIO Ecology Team and with other teams across DIO and MOD.
• Provide advice and monitor compliance with MOD’s legal and policy obligations towards wildlife and ensure managers are aware of any serious issues or breaches. As part of the Ecology Team you will have the opportunity to shape future policy, guidance and its application at the site, regional and national level. Support responses to third party proposals such as new or amended designated sites and management proposals affecting MOD sites.
• Work with the military user to facilitate on-going and new military training activities on Salisbury Plain Training Area and other sites by ensuring all relevant surveys and assessments have been undertaken and SSSI consents and other approvals are in place. Ensure protocols that have been put in place to avoid or mitigate the impacts of military training are being implemented and adhered to. Assist the strategic planning of these activities by engaging with internal and external partners to deliver habitat banking, biodiversity offsetting and other similar initiatives.
  

About our Team

Technical Services (TS) comprises the following core areas:

• Engineering and Construction,
• Programme Support Team
• Security Services Group,
• Safety, Health, Environmental Protection and Sustainability (SHEPS)

Technical Services (TS) provides in-house consultancy to DIO and the wider MOD; the specialist skills available through the Technical Services team span construction, engineering, electronic and physical security requirements, safety systems, environmental management, sustainable development, access and recreation, historic environment and natural environment.

Benefits

We are passionate about delivering great things for our customers. But we also know you will have a life outside of work; we respect your priorities and our industry leading flexible working practices will give you real freedom to balance work and life.

We employ talented people who challenge and guide each other. At DIO you will work within a highly capable team who will support you to develop your skills, knowledge and experience.

Further main benefits include:

• Professional and Personal Development of skills
• Flexi-time scheme upon completion of 6 months service
• Alternative working practices
• 25 days paid annual leave rising (1 day per year) to 30 days upon completion of 5 years’ service
• In addition to 8 public holidays per year you will also receive leave for HM The Queen’s birthday
• Special Paid Leave to volunteer up to 6 days a year.
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave.
• Highly competitive pension scheme
• A working culture which encourages inclusion and diversity
• Most sites have good travel links with free car parking; many also have other facilities such as a Gym and / or site shops
• Excellent Benefits

To find out more about us, look at our YouTube video to see more about our work https://youtu.be/I9tLu3UdiGY

For further information regarding this vacancy and to apply please refer to the full advert on Civil Service Jobs ref 18737 

Closing date: 29 October 2019.