Project Officer Ecology and Habitats
Temporary contract May 2023 - May 2024. 35 hours per week. Weekend and evening work may be required to meet the needs of the project for which time off in lieu will be given.
We are Chester Zoo
We’re not just an amazing, award-winning visitor attraction that’s home to 20,000 incredible animals inside 128 acres of stunning gardens. We’re not just the UK’s most popular zoo. We’re a major wildlife charity that’s committed to the recovery of endangered species, globally. And, as the world faces an extinction crisis, we’re making a hugely significant contribution to conservation at a time when it’s needed most. We are Chester Zoo and we prevent extinction.
Networks for Nature is an ambitious and exciting landscape scale community conservation project spanning from Chester to Ellesmere Port. The project will connect wildlife with wildlife, people with wildlife, and people with people. Our vision is for Networks for Nature to create a thriving, more connected, wildlife-rich landscape across a peri-urban area in Northwest Cheshire, benefitting both people and nature, and maintained through community collaboration and partnership.
We have teamed up with Cheshire West and Chester Council, The Land Trust, Sustrans, The Canal and River Trust, Cheshire Wildlife Trust and Cheshire West Communities Together to deliver Networks for Nature.
The Role – Project Officer Ecology and Habitats
We currently have an exciting vacancy for a Project Officer Ecology and Habitats to join our Networks for Nature (NFN) project team. Reporting to the Networks for Nature Project Manager, with the support of a project team. This project is funded by National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF). This role will be within the Development Phase of the project with a focus on consultation, site assessments and habitat planning. To find out more about the previous project which led to this big next step visit https://www.chesterzoo.org/what-you-can-do/nature-recovery-corridor/
We’re looking for someone who can:
- Support delivery of Networks for Nature through the provision of ecological monitoring and expertise.
- Design, coordinate and deliver ecological monitoring, to inform habitat restoration and management recommendations that will guide biodiversity management decisions across the project area.
- Consult with internal and external stakeholders to coordinate ecological monitoring, ensuring it meets planning, legal, health & safety and any other requirements.
- Create briefs and project manage any ecological consultants to ensure timely delivery of works to fit with project schedules.
- Hold necessary licenses, knowledge and training to deliver required ecological monitoring.
- Deliver a range of phase 1 and phase 2 ecological surveys and assist in designing habitat management plans.
- Support stakeholder and landowner consultation and engagement.
- Ensure accurate quality data management of ecological data; including analysis, reporting and dissemination. This may include management of recording volunteers or staff/visitor participation in monitoring activities.
- Production of management plans and baseline reports for work to be delivered in future phases of the project. Ensuring all report recommendations are compliant with relevant and current wildlife protection legislation and Natural England protected species/habitat standing advice and guidance.
- Assist, as appropriate, with community focused activities including engagement and capacity building of local community groups.
What makes Chester Zoo a great place to work?
We’re a huge team of conservationists, scientists, educators, animal welfare experts, marketeers, visitor experience professionals, environmental policy influencers; the list goes on. You will be part of the Chester Zoo multi-disciplinary team, and contributing to a growing local partnership of organisations creating an improved landscape for biodiversity in Cheshire.
As the UK’s biggest and best zoo, we have ambitious goals, exciting plans, and there’s always lots going on here. We’re an inclusive and diverse organisation, made up of nearly 500 permanent and 500 seasonal team members, and we know how important it is to invest in our colleagues to help boost their career development.
Our working environment could not be more different from a typical office – where else can you see critically endangered orangutans from your office window, or stroll among rare giraffes and tigers on your lunch break?
The Package
- Contract Type – Temporary
- 35 hours per week
- Salary £28,357.11 per annum
- 33 days annual leave pro rota plus the option to buy or sell up to 5 days
- Staff pass so you can visit the zoo during your time off, plus multiple complimentary tickets for your friends and family
- Cycle to work scheme
- Healthcare plan and employee assistance programme
- Discounted gym membership
- Discounts on cinema tickets, restaurants, high street shops and more via Perks
- Pension scheme with generous employer contributions up to 9%
The successful candidate will have:
- Subject knowledge: The post holder requires a strong knowledge of conservation and the key issues threatening the natural world today, particularly with a focus on UK wildlife. This is likely to be demonstrated by a relevant degree and/or experience of working within a conservation organisation, ecological consultancy, or similar environment, ideally in a UK setting.
- Subject knowledge: Excellent working knowledge of UK wildlife related law.
- Practical knowledge: Authoritative knowledge in at least one taxonomic group and accomplished knowledge in a range of taxonomic groups.
- Practical knowledge: Excellent knowledge of landscape scale ecology and the ability to look at how specific areas and habitat fit into the wider picture.
- Good understanding of the principles of ecological restoration, practical conservation skills and project management experience.
- Experience in dealing with diverse stakeholders
- Experience of planning and carrying out monitoring, survey, habitat management and mitigation activities.
- IT skills: Skilled in the use of all key Microsoft packages; GIS experience desirable.
- Organisational skills: Excellent time management, administration and planning skills. Ability to coordinate multiple activities, meeting deadlines and ensuring appropriate quality control.
- Interpersonal skills: Good diplomacy and interpersonal skills. Ability to work effectively under own initiative and as part of a team.
- Experience of ecological consultancy work or similar experience.
- Experience of managing external consultants/contractors and leading/managing volunteer groups.
- Experience in data handling and basic statistical analysis, plus report writing skills.
- Licences: Appropriate licenses to conduct/oversee core ecological services including a GCN licence.
- A degree or equivalent qualification and/or experience in a relevant field.
- Full driving license
Although not essential, the following would be desirable:
- Practical experience in habitat management techniques – hedgerows, margins and ponds for example, and experience of agri-environment schemes.
- Experience of working on large, landscape scale projects
- Competent in Phase 1 Habitat Surveys. Experience of Phase 2, NVC, or other habitat assessments tool.
- FSC assessed level 3 or 4.
Thanks to National Lottery players
Closing date for applications is midnight on 14th May 2023. We will be reviewing applications and conducting interviews during this period and this advert will close early if we find a suitable candidate for the role.
