Overview

North Devon UNESCO Biosphere is an important meeting place of rich natural and cultural heritage in a stunning world-class environment from dunes, grassland and moors, towns and villages to 12 miles beyond Lundy Island into the Bristol Channel. As part of the global MAB network, our Biosphere provides an open forum for bringing people together with their natural surroundings, to empower them to unlock their potential and using their local and scientific knowledge to model solutions for sustainable living. North Devon UNESCO Biosphere is also a vibrant landscape for scientific research and is host to a number of ecological pilots.

 

Responsibilities:

  • Provide a focal point and coordinating role for the first phase of water vole reintroduction in Braunton Marsh. (December 2021 to March 2022)
  • Compile report for reintroduction potential and stages for water vole in Braunton Marsh.
  • Work with landowners and farms helping them to access ELMs, BNG, other schemes.
  • Develop a pipeline of suitable BNG provision to satisfy Development of Biodiversity Net Gain demands from developers and the local planning authorities.
  • Identify and map suitable locations for the delivery of biodiversity net gain projects.
  • Assessing possible sites for habitat improvement; Site surveys Phase 1; Priority habitat identification; Condition assessments.
  • Prepare BNG delivery plans/ contracts.
  • Be responsible for delivering the creation of new / restored / enhance habitats through practical habitat work and use of contractors, where necessary.
  • Managing contractors and volunteer work parties.
  • Utilizing the ‘Biodiversity offsets’ to fund works; working within those budgets and keeping detailed accounts. Also monitoring and reporting outputs of projects.
  • Working in partnership with key partners such as the district/county council, South West Water, the Environment Agency, Devon Wildlife Trust, Westcountry Rivers Trust.
  • Input on Nature Recovery Strategy.
  • Coordination with our communication team to provide key messages and information highlighting project benefits, gaining stakeholder support and calls to action.
  • Engage public in citizen science activities which promote and monitor biodiversity net gain.

Experience Essential (E) / Desirable (D):

  • At least 2 year + practical experience of habitat creation, restoration/ enhancement and management on a range of habitats, including grazing management E
  • Commenting on planning applications and associated documents D
  • Experience in advising around UK legislation on protected species D
  • Demonstrable experience of managing projects E
  • Familiarity with BNG metrics and calculation methods D

Knowledge:

  • Ecological surveying & monitoring expertise including botanical (e.g Phase 1, UKHab) E
  • A good understanding of ecology and wildlife conservation. Advantage in knowledge of North Devon species conservation E
  • Habitat creation/ restoration/ enhancement and species management E
  • Species ID and knowledge E
  • GIS / Mapping skills / Drone D
  • A degree or higher (or equivalent experience) in ecological or environmental subject E

Skills:

  • Excellent written, verbal and IT skills E.
  • Appropriate licenses for practical and survey work D.
  • Be a driven and passionate conservationist / ecologist and experienced in delivering conservation management plans.
  • Practical experience of habitat creation / restoration and management.
  • Have demonstrable experience working with landowners and farmers.
  • Experience in managing land management contractors and volunteers.
  • Have great identification and surveying skills (botany is particularly important).
  • Have a working knowledge of biodiversity metrics / be willing to learn.
  • Have the ability to work in partnership with different organizations.
  • Be highly motivated, independent and organized to work efficiently.
  • Have excellent record keeping and reporting skills.

Personal Qualities:

  • Self-motivated, with minimal supervision needed E.
  • Flexible can- do attitude, willing to go extra mile E.
  • Great communication skills and passionate to engage people with nature E.
  • Remote working with ability to travel across North Devon E.