Ecologist based Swansea, Wales

Network Rail are expanding their in-house Ecology expertise and have a fantastic opportunity available on the Wales Route. We are recruiting for an experienced Ecologist to provide support and become part of a wider dedicated and hardworking team at Network Rail.

About Network Rail

At Network Rail we are dedicated to becoming one of Britain’s best employers and believe this starts with placing the candidate at the heart of everything we do!

Our ambition in Putting Passengers First is to be responsive to passengers and freight users, drives us every day and we’re empowered to do the right thing for those who use the rail network.  We actively challenge unsafe practices and take responsibility for addressing risks, resolving issues and protecting safety and wellbeing.

We are passionate about great service and we ask ourselves, what can we do to put our passengers and freight users at the centre of everything we do?  With this in mind, we pull together as one industry because we care about people and teamwork is key.  For more information about Network Rail click here.

About the role

The Ecologist role will be based within the Swansea maintenance delivery unit, reporting directly to the Off-Track Maintenance Engineer.  The role will mainly involve providing advice,  guidance,  on site supervision and assurance to colleagues in relation to Ecology, in order to be complaint with Wildlife legislation and policy, whilst also considering the ongoing maintenance for the effective management of a safe working railway line.  The Ecologist will undertake fieldwork and produce Ecological reports, to identify constraints to inform the delivery of works.  In addition, there will be opportunity for the Ecologist to be involved with habitat management work and liaison with stakeholders on Biodiversity enhancements to our lineside vegetation.

Network Rail has recently released a National Environment and Sustainability Strategy: https://www.networkrail.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/NR-Environmental-Strategy-FINAL-web.pdf and the Ecologists working in-house at Network Rail are integral to implementing the objectives of this strategy, in relation to Biodiversity.  There are four Ecologist roles working in the Maintenance Teams in Wales, each Ecologist covering a different geographical area, but also working in collaboration with the other Ecologists working in Wales.  We also have Ecologists working in other areas of the business, so this is a great opportunity to join Network Rail’s expanding Ecology team and develop in this role.

This role requires a task-orientated team-player with excellent communication skills, who is adaptable and able to work in a fast-paced working environment.  Project management skills are key, as the role involves working with other relevant teams on the procurement of subcontractors, tender evaluation, and management of ongoing surveys.  There will be an opportunity for the right candidate to develop this skillset in the role, with the support of the wider team. 

The Ecologist role will also involve survey and fieldwork and require some travel in order for the applicant to be able to undertake site visits across the South Wales area, therefore a full clean driving licence is essential.  Site supervision will also be an important part of the role, in addition to providing support to colleagues in order to plan work in relation to Ecological constraints.  Network Rail offer a competitive benefits package and wellness solutions which includes: *paid membership of a professional body, *28 days annual leave, *5 paid volunteer days, *a range of discounted offers and access to ‘My Benefits’. 

It is important to note that during COVID19, Network Rail have produced internal standards in order to ensure compliance with the social-distancing requirements and comply with Health & Safety.  The successful candidate will have use of a vehicle for work purposes. 

Please do not hesitate in contacting us if you have any queries about this vacancy.  We will be happy to answer any questions.  

Do you have?

Essential

• Comprehensive field experience, with at least 4 years relevant experience. 
• Extensive experience of leading and/or independently undertaking extended phase 1 habitat surveys and at least 2 years experience of providing supervision of works in the role of project ecologist, and/or ECoW. 
• A relevant undergraduate degree in Ecology, Zoology, Biological Sciences, or other relevant Environmental Sciences.
• A good understanding of UK and European wildlife legislation and experience in the application of best practice guidance.
• Significant practical experience of identifying baseline Ecological constraints during site visits and providing guidance on mitigation measures and what permissions are required for works to proceed.
• Have significant experience of standard Ecological survey protocols and methodologies.
• Ability to complete protected species surveys.
• Good interpersonal, influencing, communication and organisation skills.
• Task orientated team player.
• Strong report writing skills, including experience of writing method statements and survey reports. 
• Full UK driving licence.

Desirable

• A relevant Master’s degree in Ecology or other relevant discipline. 
• Protected species survey licences, e.g. dormice, bats, great crested newts.
• Knowledge of operational railway environment and PTS qualified.
• Knowledge of ISO 14001 Environmental Management Standard.
• Membership of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM).
• Experience attending client meetings and working with multi-disciplinary teams.
• Competent with Microsoft Office and GIS.
• Experience of project management and/or coordination of project work.
• Botanical skills to a Level 4 FISC – BSBI (or working towards).

Salary: £32,740

Closing date: 13th August 2021.  Late applications will not be accepted.

Apply: https://www.networkrail.co.uk/careers/

We are an equal opportunity employer and encourage people to work flexibly.  We welcome applications from everyone:  https://www.networkrail.co.uk/careers/how-we-recruit/. 

We are a Disability Confident Leader employer!  Should you need access support to apply for a role, visit: https://hive.evenbreak.co.uk/

For further information, please contact David John on: 07710 93915