Senior Ecologist (Permanent)

This is an exciting opportunity to play a hands-on role in the restoration and long-term ecological management of one of the UK’s most important canal environments.\nPart funded by the Welsh Government’s Volunteering Wales Main Grants Scheme, this role will focus on the Montgomery Canal, working as part of the regional ecological and restoration team to support practical habitat management, volunteer delivery and the care of two new nature reserves.\Its restoration depends on getting the balance right between heritage, ecology, community involvement and practical delivery on the ground. This will include habitat management, vegetation control, monitoring, site maintenance and improvement works across the canal corridor and associated nature reserves.\You will help ensure that all Trust works are planned and delivered with proper regard to protected habitats, species, statutory designations and the Trust’s wider restoration objectives.\nThis is a practical, field-based ecology role for someone who wants to make a visible difference: supporting volunteers, improving habitats, supporting the work of the Trust and helping protect a historic canal, and contributing directly to the long-term management of a highly protected and much-loved waterway. \Working Hours & Location \nThis is a 2 year fixed term opportunity and follows a 37 hours, Monday to Friday working pattern and will be home-based, with the allocation of a nearby Hub in the West Midlands for collaborative working. nSee our network here: \Role Overview \nThis project is funded by Welsh Government’s Volunteering Wales Main Grants Scheme, administered by WCVA and the role will have a responsibility for supervising volunteers on the Montgomery Canal. Along with this the Ecologist will provide the Trust with technical expertise in ecology, with a focus on the west of the region – the Montgomery, Llangollen, Shropshire Union and Trent & Mersey Canals.  \Working proactively, they will support and develop the Trust’s protection, improvement and promotion of the natural environment of the waterways and provide professional environmental services within their area of expertise to help achieve a wide range of corporate objectives.  \Provide expert technical advice relating to ecology as required. \Supervise the work of volunteers undertaking environmental works within the assigned geographical area. \Within area, assist with the implementation of relevant asset management strategies (vegetation, environmental assets) to protect, maintain, and where appropriate, enhance condition of the assets and their performance for the customer. \Implement relevant survey, monitoring and maintenance programmes for environmental/soft estate assets within their geographical remit, (re-)prioritising work to suit available resources and within delegated authority levels. \Contribute to the ongoing implementation of an environmental management system (EMS; including associated processes & standards), including environmental audit and compliance monitoring and managing the process of investigation of non-compliances, especially with responsibility for monitoring application within their geographical remit; to maintenance of appropriate levels of environmental training & competency (including certification) in their local area. \Lead on volunteer planning and participation for environmental works in area. \Instruct volunteers on environmental improvement techniques, including the use of tools. \Contribute to external engagement especially through interest in our environmental assets, including protected species and sites and vegetation management. \Contribute as appropriate to the development and implementation of the Trust’s Asset Management Strategies especially in respect of the Trust’s environmental assets, protected sites, and vegetation management to achieve customer service requirements & positive management of the natural environment efficiently and effectively. \Contribute to regional programmes of engagement with customers, volunteers, stakeholders and the general public to promote the value of waterways and the work of the Trust to increase the Trust’s reputation and influence and secure additional resources for our work, focusing on our key environmental priorities. \Contribute to other areas of work of regional Environment Team as instructed by EM, displaying the Trust values and behaviours at all times \n\t Ensuring that diversity and inclusion are integrated into all aspects of Trust life and promoting inclusion by challenging behaviour, practices, actions, or decisions that are counter to the objectives of the Trust’s policies and values \n\t Proven post qualification (chartered or equivalent) experience in application of specialist knowledge within a business environment. Experience of supervising environmental volunteering tasks, including in the use of tools. \Able to support other areas of the Trust’s business in an appropriate manner, taking account of overall business priorities and negotiating resources as appropriate \n\t Knowledge and practical experience of operating within, UK & European environmental policy and regulatory frameworks \n\t Experience of operating within a customer service environment \n\t Understanding and adhering to Trust governance, financial controls and systems of compliance \n\t Full Valid UK driving licence  \What We Offer\nWe offer an annual salary of £33,677 + £390 per month Car Cash Allowance. Enjoy a competitive pension scheme, increasing holiday entitlement, and a range of employee benefits.