Ecologist

Overview

The post holder will assist the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority (BBNPA) with the delivery of practical works aimed at achieving the conservation and enhancement of the Park’s wildlife, natural beauty and cultural heritage. Activities will be aligned with overarching frames of reference such as the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act, Nature Recovery Action Plan (national and local), Environmental Governance Act, Sustainable Farming Scheme, Ffermio Bro, 30×30 targets Y Dofodol y Bannau (National Park Management Plan) and its missions.

Functionally, the Ecologist will be guided by the Senior Nature Recovery Officers as part of the Nature Recovery Team. The post holder will assist the Nature Recovery Team in the planning and implementation of ecological conservation initiatives to achieve effective nature recovery, mitigation and restoration of habitats, species, and landscape features within the National Park. Work will be conducted collaboratively with all relevant BBNPA staff and other key stakeholders in achieving this, ensuring that all works are achieved according to the aims, objectives and policies of the BBNPA.

Main Duties

Assist the Nature Recovery Team and other key officers to:

• Contribute to and assist with the long-term nature recovery and management of BBNPA-owned land and other landscapes, designated sites and features, and priority habitats and species within the National Park.

• Prepare and implement relevant reports, site management plans, action plans and other materials based on ecological surveys and scientific observation.

• Survey, monitor and evaluate features of nature conservation interest in habitats and sites.

• Liaise with other organisations and BBNPA staff to promote strong working relationships and effective communication.

• Respond to enquiries from the public and offer ecological advice to colleagues, residents, landowners, councils and other bodies as appropriate.

• Ensure that all advice, policy and guidance that is provided is consistent with current international, national and local advice, policy, guidance, legislation and best practice.

• Support other officers and Members of the Authority by providing knowledge and skills which help educate and raise awareness of ecological issues affecting the National Park.

• Maintain effective paper and digital records.

• Maintain and develop professional knowledge and skills, especially with regard to knowledge of developments in policy, legislation and international regulations.

• Any other duty, appropriate to the grade and nature of the post, as occasionally required by the Chief Executive.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria:

• Educated to degree level with at least 2:2 honours or equivalent in ecology or a similar environmental subject or equivalent experience in the public and / or non-governmental sector.

• A minimum of 2 years of proven experience, ideally within a protected area or local planning authority or conservation organisation.

• Working knowledge and understanding of legislation, policy and guidance affecting ecology and nature recovery.

• Excellent interpersonal, oral and written presentation skills, able and willing to speak and operate with authority and confidence, representing the organisation in public.

• The ability to conduct field surveys and willingness to work extensively in the field, often in adverse weather conditions and at field sites inaccessible by road.

• Good understanding of current issues affecting the natural environment and how features thereof can be conserved, restored and enhanced; good understanding of where to source the relevant expert advice.

• Computer-literate, familiar with the usual suite of Microsoft applications including SharePoint and Teams as well as basic data management.

• Able to plan and organise work effectively, ensuring that outputs are of a high quality and to schedule.

• Good team member, willing to share thoughts and ideas with colleagues and other individuals and organisations.

• Willingness to undertake occasional evening and/or weekend work with time off in lieu as and when required.

• A valid and full driving licence.

• Welsh language Level 1.

Desirable Criteria:

• A working Knowledge of geographic information and spatial modelling systems (GIS) or a willingness to develop these skills.

• Welsh language Level 2

Please note: If you do not meet the Welsh language Requirements specified, then the Authority offers a variety of learning options and staff support to help you meet these requirements during your employment with us.