Ecologist - Biodiversity Net Gain

RSPB’s Conservation Investment (CI) team is exploring opportunities to use private finance for nature conservation. One type of private finance is income from selling goods or services (for example, carbon credits or biodiversity net gain units).

We know that we need more money to help nature thrive. Traditional fundraising isn't enough. We also know there is now a market for nature and environmental benefits. Many companies need to invest because their shareholders want to see more being done for the environment. And there is a growing regulatory push for them to do so. We have a fantastic opportunity to explore this green market on our estate and off-estate.

However, to take advantage of the new statutory biodiversity net gain (BNG) requirement, which comes into force in England in November 2023, we need to establish the baseline condition of habitats using the BNG metric. This is where you come in!

Initially, you will be working on some of the RSPB’s 200 nature reserves to record habitat conditions, this specialist advice can make a real difference. We seek a knowledgeable, dynamic, and passionate ecologist to contribute to the implementation of our biodiversity net gain projects across England. You will be undertaking habitat condition assessments using the Defra Biodiversity Net Gain Metric, registering sites and co-creating management plans to improve their biological condition.

Passion and values: We are looking for individuals who are passionate about the RSPB’s cause and are keen to establish new ways of working within the statutory biodiversity net gain system.

Stakeholder engagement: We need candidates who are enthusiastic about the RSPB’s mission and who can grow and strengthen engagement with wider networks and communities outside the RSPB.

What you will bring: Ideally, we are looking for someone with experience of biodiversity net gain and who is familiar with the Defra metric. However, if you have a degree level or equivalent experience in ecology or relevant biological science and bring enthusiasm and a can-do attitude to make a difference for conservation, we want to hear from you.

Essentials

• Physical fitness and ability to confidently and safely access and work in remote areas
• Strong understanding of Microsoft Excel and/or algorithms
• A good understanding of conservation land management techniques/constraints in a variety of habitats.
• Ability to work flexibly and travel widely throughout England, without the use of public transport, a UK driving licence is essential.
• A good standard of interpersonal skills. The ability to work with a team, and the skills required to maintain and develop good relations with RSPB site teams and in time commercial clients.
• A good standard of communication, to present findings verbally and in writing.
• Time management and prioritisation.
• Knowledge of habitats or taxa.
• Degree level/equivalent experience in ecology or relevant biological science
• Confident use of NVC, UKHab or equivalent classification systems in field surveys including a level of botanical and wildlife identification skills sufficient to carry out habitat and species surveys to a high standard.
• Record keeping and data management using databases and mapping software such as ArcGIS and Merlin (RSPB bespoke system)
• Knowledge of biodiversity net gain and Defra’s biodiversity metric to establish baseline condition and potential for biodiversity ‘uplift’

Desirables

• Experience of nature reserve management planning and design of wildlife habitat creation projects.
• Relevant knowledge of compliance requirements in terms of wildlife and environmental legislation.
• Costing up work and tendering for contracts
• Expert use of the Biodiversity Metric

Additional Information

This role will involve:

• Occasional weekend and evening working
• Lone working
• Travel within the UK, including overnight stays away from home

The RSPB works for a healthy environment for all, and we, therefore, expect you to take action following our Environmental Policy and objectives. Together we can make a positive difference to our world.

This is a Fixed-Term (22 months) role for 37.5 hours per week.

The RSPB reserves the right to extend or make this role permanent without further advertising dependent on business needs at the end of the contract term.

We will be arranging interviews within 2 weeks of the closing date. For further information, please get in touch with [email protected]

If you need any reasonable adjustments during the application or interview process, please don't hesitate to contact us.

As part of this application process, you will be asked to provide a copy of your CV and complete an application form including evidence on how you meet the skills, knowledge, and experience listed above.

We are committed to developing an inclusive and diverse RSPB, in which everyone feels supported, valued, and able to be their full selves. To achieve our vision of creating a world richer in nature, we need more people, and more diverse people, on nature’s side. People of colour and disabled people are underrepresented across the environment, climate, sustainability, and conservation sectors. If you identify as a person of colour and/or disabled, we are particularly interested in receiving your application. Contact us to discuss any additional support you may need to complete your application.

The RSPB is a licenced sponsor. This role is eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship.

Before applying for this role, we recommend reading through the candidate guidance notes attached to the top of this advert.