CONSERVATION ECOLOGIST

Job description

The role of the Conservation Ecologist will be to undertake consulting work that involves ecological surveys and produce technical reports on survey findings and making recommendations on future land management. The work will support the consultancy’s goal to advocate for policy to create new and enhance existing habitats, and see nature designed within a variety of landholdings including (but not limited to) farms, large estates, science/business parks, public green spaces, university/college grounds, and development sites where appropriate and sustainable conservation is urgent.

Reporting Line

Reports directly to the Lead Consultant.

Line Management

This role has no line report responsibility, however future management of staff and contractors will be a development objective for the individual.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Develop and deliver habitat enhancement projects

• Develop and deliver long-term management plans for wildlife habitats.

• Plan, organise and implement site-based habitat enhancement projects such as hedgerow, pond, grassland and woodland creation and management.

• Assess each project and identify best means of delivery: volunteers, contractors, or other partner.

• Ensure work is undertaken safely including the production of relevant risk assessments.

• Liaise with local stakeholders such as statutory bodies, partners, local communities and local wildlife groups to support the delivery of any projects.

• Work with and supervise contractors to deliver on-site habitat enhancement projects.

• Incorporate issues regarding non-native species, and methods of control in any project planning.

• Implement biosecurity measures for all projects in line with the consultancy’s procedure.

• Secure any relevant permissions for habitat management work.

• Manage any delegated budget, seeking quotes to ensure best value for money, recording and tracking expenditure for each project.

Wildlife surveys and monitoring

• Organise and carry out targeted surveys of priority habitats within Game Management Areas and forests to include hedgerows, woodland, ponds and grassland.

• Organise and implement surveys to assess botanical condition of key habitats in the designated GMAs and Forest.

• Propose policy to implement ongoing site monitoring of wildlife habitats and associated species, using fixed-point photography.

• Analyse survey results and site assessments and produce reports identifying biodiversity enhancement opportunities.

• Work with local experts including county recorders, and ecological consultants, to deliver more detailed wildlife surveys were required.

• Train volunteers in survey techniques and methods including habitat condition assessments as well simple soil and water quality tests.

• Input species, habitat, and environmental data into our database system and QGIS when required.

• As part of the biodiversity team, report survey results to the consultancy, as well as its partners and stakeholders and special interest groups for effective policy change.

Volunteer engagement and skills development

• Identify opportunities for volunteer involvement in conservation management, to engage local people from a wide range of backgrounds.

• Involve, support and lead volunteers in a range of practical habitat enhancement tasks and wildlife surveys, enabling them to develop new skills.

• Identify and deliver a range of opportunities for volunteers to develop new skills, such as leadership, team building and conservation management, as a pathway to employment in the natural environment sector.

Supervise work experience students and interns as required.

• Lead volunteer work parties, during the week and at weekends, undertaking a variety of practical habitat enhancement tasks and wildlife surveys. Engage with local stakeholders

• Liaise with statutory agencies, local councils, local communities and neighbouring landowners where appropriate.

• Work with local stakeholders including special interest groups, councils and NGOs

• Assess how local stakeholders can collaborate and contribute to biodiversity enhancement opportunities and research within the Forest.

Communications

• Produce news stories for use on the website, on TV and national radio stations.

• Contribute information and photographs for the social media communications plan.

• Contribute to articles and news stories in the monthly e-newsletter and bi-annual magazine to help raise awareness of forestry issues.

In addition, the post holder will:

Climate Change

• Champion the need for urgent action to tackle the climate crisis

• Commit to taking positive action to mitigate against climate change during the course of your duties

QUALIFICATIONS

Education: A degree in Natural Resources Management, Development Studies, Economics, Ecology, Environmental Science, or a related field.

Experience: Experience of two to three years in ecological management or consultancy, field surveying, and knowledge of environmental management and legislation.

Skills: Proficiency in GIS software (e.g., QGIS, ArcGIS), report writing, and species identification skills.

HOW TO APPLY

Please send CV and qualifications to jobs@clivelikumbi.co.za