Biodiversity Officer
Job Summary
You’ll be part of something unique, helping to grow and shape one of England’s largest new woodlands and a diverse range of habitats. The Forest is a home to many rare and threatened species, such as brown hairstreak and purple emperor butterflies, as well as Red List bird species such as skylark and woodcock.
The Forest has a North/South split with a Biodiversity Officer covering each area, as a part of the wider Forest Operations team.
In this role you will plan, develop and implement ecological enhancement projects and monitoring across the Forests woodlands, wetlands, grasslands, and river corridors. Undertaking field surveys, practical habitat work, data collection and the delivery of biodiversity projects.
Key Responsibilities
Habitat Management
- Maintain and improve a variety of habitats, including woodland, grassland, wetland and traditional orchards; containing specific features such as rides, glades and ponds.
- Inform sustainable forestry operations by identifying ecologically sensitive areas and protected features and/or species.
- Carry out practical conservation tasks, including leading and training groups of volunteers.
- Work with and supervise contractors to deliver on-site habitat enhancement projects.
Wildlife Monitoring and Surveys
- Oversee the survey programme for a range of fauna and flora.
- Undertake surveys including, butterflies, birds, protected species, vegetation and habitat condition assessments.
- Record species and habitat data accurately using digital tools and GIS.
- Maintain ecological databases and contribute to annual monitoring reports.
- Record Invasive Non-Native Species across the Forest.
- Incorporate methods of control in any project planning.
Data and Administration
- Prepare ecological reports and maps.
- Deliver and support compliance with funded projects, including managing any delegated budget.
- Gather information for ecological assessments linked to Forest projects
StakeHolder Management
- Work closely with the forestry teams, external contractors, volunteers and the wider charity teams.
- Lead volunteer days and community engagement activities.
- Communicate ecological findings clearly to colleagues, contractors and visitors when required.
- Engage with local stakeholders as required, representing The Heart of England Forest and collaborating to advance the objectives of the charity.
General
- Demonstrate and promote the values of the Heart of England Forest.
- Maintain a commitment to high standards of health and safety at all times. Ensure all work is undertaken within the Heart of England Forest health and safety policy and processes.
- Play an active part within the wider Heart of England Forest team.
- Make active use of information and resources gained via personal networks to inform the development of this role.
- Perform any other duties consistent with the role and / or reasonably required by your line manager, and/or the Senior Leadership Team.
Your Skills and Experience
Essential
- Practical experience in a relevant conservation-based role.
- Working knowledge of UK habitats, wildlife and standard survey methods.
- Experience of UK ecological surveys (volunteering or placements included).
- Ability to identify indicator species of key habitats and willingness to learn.
- Competent practical skills such as using hand tools for habitat management.
- Experience working with, leading and training volunteers - including habitat management and survey technique.
- Comfortable working outdoors in varied weather and terrain.
- Good organisational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team and confident lone working.
- Full UK driving licence (manual)
Desireable
- Degree or equivalent qualification or relevant experience in Ecology, Environmental Science, Conservation, or related field.
- Specialist knowledge in a particular UK habitat.
- Familiarity with GIS or digital mapping tools.
- Experience of contract management and site supervision.
- Interest in developing protected species survey skills.
- Qualified first aider or willingness to undertake training
Additional Benefits:
- Contributory pension scheme (matched at 4.5%)
- Group income protection scheme
- Group life assurance scheme (x4 death benefit)
- Employee assistance programme
- Medical health cash plan
To apply for this role, please send your CV and answers to the below questions to jobs@heartofenglandforest.org.
Application questions
In no more than 300 words per question:
- Describe your experience of UK habitat management projects you have previously delivered or supported. In your answer, explain the habitat type(s) involved (e.g., woodland, grassland, wetland etc), the practical conservation tasks undertaken, and how you ensured the work protected ecologically sensitive areas or species.
- Tell us about your experience planning and conducting ecological surveys. What species do you have experience of; how did you record data, ensure accuracy, and use digital tools or GIS in your work?
As part of our EDI monitoring to check our recruitment reaches the widest audience possible, we would be grateful if you could also submit an EDI form (this will anonymised and kept separate from your application)
Find out more about this role and what we're looking for in our candidate pack.
The Heart of England Forest is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. Applicants must be willing to undergo protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and an enhanced DBS disclosure.