This is a fixed-term post until November 2025, with a view to becoming permanent thereafter. We are open to discussing reduced hours, flexible working or consultancy basis.

Our Why

Our earth is warming at an unprecedented rate and our climate is changing faster than predicted. It’s humanity's greatest challenge. In the last fifty years wildlife populations have declined by 69% and there have been significant changes to nature. In the UK over half of average adults’ diet includes Ultra Processed Food affecting our health and wellbeing.

But we still have time to change course.

Our ambition here at Denton Reserve is to combat climate change through repurposing our land. We will capture CO2, increase biodiversity, embark on nature friendly farming and produce more seasonal and sustainable food.

Our What

Denton Reserve is a reimagined rural retreat, sitting within the Nidderdale National landscape (AONB) and consists of 2,500 acres of woodland, moorland, grassland arable land and a deer park.

We will realise our ambition to help address climate change through adopting a new land management model and establish a reimagined hospitality enterprise.

We are combining a landscape restoration project of national significance with food production and the creation of a unique naturally inspired destination and wellness experience, with sustainability at heart.

Who we need:

We have already undertaken significant change on the estate, going from a traditional sheep and shooting model to a more ecologically focused model, encompassing everything from regenerative agriculture to bog restoration, rewilding and agroforestry.

We are ideally looking for a full-time Ecologist (though we are open to discuss reduced hours, flexible working or consultant basis) with significant experience in all aspects of ecology, including extensive survey and species identification skills. Someone ideally trained in botany, priority habitat types and protected species; familiar with concepts of Ecosystem Services, Natural Capital, Natural Flood Management and Nature Based Solutions who can produce and contribute to technical reports, Ecological Impact Assessments, Invasive Species, BNG assessments and other baseline assessments and monitoring of conservation and enhancement projects.

You shuold have an ecology based degree qualifiacation or 3 years working in the field, ideally have an interest and knowledge of upland ecosystems, food production and hydrology. You will lead the overall approach to ecology at Denton Reserve, working in partnership with our Land Management team to take full ownership of ecological interventions and projects including monitoring, evaluation and reporting on the estate. 

We would like someone with appropriate degree level qualification (or equivalent work experience) in an ecological or conservation or related field. Knowledge of GIS and Microsoft Office would be very useful as would knowledge of UK nature conservation legislation and planning processes.

We recognise that might be a lot to ask so don't hesitate to apply if the role excites you but you don't feel you have all this experience. We work with some exceptional volunteer organisations and consultants who are absolutely key to supporting ecology at Denton Reserve. 

The role is initially funded as a fixed term role until November 2025 to support our Defra funded Landscape Recovery Project, with a view to become permanent thereafter as we hopefully move into the 20-year implementation phase.

What you will be doing:

Based at our offices on the Estate, you will work primarily in partnership with our Estate Manager and Landscape Recovery Project Manager as well as other staff within the Land Management team, including the Farmer, Stock Manager / Ranger, and other specialist staff. 

You will plan and implement baseline and monitoring programmes, with a significant part of the role being to contribute to the development of a long-term monitoring and evaluation plan that supports Denton Reserve’s 20-year Landscape Recovery Scheme implementation proposal.

You will need to contribute and work across any future grant funded conservation projects, understanding and advising on ecological survey requirements to design and deliver the best ecological outcomes. This may involve supporting the estate on any relevant applications to environmental schemes and compiling and applying for consents, permits and exemptions.

You will advise on pest species lifecycles to improve food production, monitor and engage with the beaver project, undertake deer surveys, undertake drone surveys and engage with internal and external audiences, including statutory authorities to build contacts, spread awareness and identify and cost new projects. You will also work closely with and advise BNG and green finance specialists regarding ecology on the estate.

You will also become intrinsically involved in advising on the general and wider ecological impacts of other proposed commercial and ecological development projects across the estate, upskilling and educating the wider team and coordinating/attending relevant meetings and workshops to help build awareness and support. You will be strongly motivated and confident to hold Denton Reserve to account on the ecological impacts of all activities on the estate, particularly in relation to achieving our net-zero and biodiversity goals and aligning with our Landscape Recovery Scheme targets.

What we offer:

• This is a fantastic opportunity to make meaningful change both to the local environment and ecosystem, but also more widely by helping to create a model for success that may be emulated on similar upland holdings.
• circa £45,000 per annum FTE, but flexible depending on experience
• We are open to reduced hours, flexible working or consultant basis, so please do apply if the role excites you
• Beautiful location near Ilkley (LS29 0HF)

Next steps and how to apply:

• Send your CV and a brief cover note outlining why you would be a good fit and why the role excites you to [email protected]

For an informal chat or any queries prior to applying feel free to call or WhatsApp me on 07825 811260