Ecologist Officer

Location: Dstl Porton Down, Salisbury, SP4 0JQ

About the job

Job summary

Do you have a passion for the environment? 

The Ecological Officer is accountable to the Rural Estate Manager for the management and delivery of the objectives set within the Dstl Porton Down (PTN) Stone Curlew Conservation Project. They also ensure the Dstl Porton Down Site of Special Scientific Interest, (SSSI) Special Protection Area (SPA) and Special Area of Conservation (SAC) are maintained and managed in line with legislation and Dstl Policy.

Dstl’s unique characteristics include its location on extensive chalk grassland so the Dstl Ecological Officer will have practical working knowledge and experience of working within this environment and it will be one of their specialisms.

Dstl recognises the importance of diversity and inclusion as people from diverse backgrounds bring fresh ideas. We are committed to building an inclusive working environment in which each employee fulfils their potential and maximises their contribution.

Job description

In this role you will: 

• Be responsible for the management and delivery of the objectives set within the Dstl PTN Stone Curlew Conservation Project
• Produce the Dstl PTN Stone Curlew Conservation Project Annual report documenting the outcome of the season's activities
• Produce reports and provide of advice in support of Dstl operations, trials and developments which may impact on the PTN SSSI, SAC, and SPA
• Manage and maintain of PTN conservation/ecological data to include the management of Recorder 2006 and the production and periodic review of the sites Business and Ecological Plans (BEPs)
• Be responsible for the management of the tasks required for the Environmental Change Network Project as the Project's designated Site Manager
• Agree projects within the PTN Rural Maintenance Plan are planned and executed efficiently.

Important Information

Our work in defence, security and intelligence requires our employees to be UK Nationals who are able to gain a high level of security clearance to undertake the projects we are involved in to protect us from security threats. For this reason, only UK Nationals will be able to apply for this role. If you are an international or dual-national candidate, and you think you have the skills we need, please consider applying to any of our government, security or defence partners.

This role will require full UK security clearance and you should have resided in the UK for the past 5 years. For some roles Developed Vetting will also be required, in this case you should have resided in the UK for the past 10 years.

Person specification

You will bring:

• Professional experience of working in a chalk grassland environment to include landscape/habitat management.
• Identification of British chalk grassland flora and fauna, e.g. butterflies, birds (including their song) mammals, reptiles, plants etc.
• Experience of the reporting the legislative requirements to external bodies on the SSSI, SAC, and SPA
• Authorising the collection, collation and analysis of ecological data to meet legislative and strategic deliverables

We will provide you the opportunity to be part of a great team, provide a valuable impact to the estate at Dstl & we offer great benefits and flexible working!

For a full job description detailing the essential skills & experience for this role, please see the Candidate Pack via the link below.

Qualifications

Degree in Ecology

Memberships

CIEEM. (Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management).