Assistant Ecologist

NMWTRA; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 28,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Job summary

North and Mid Wales Trunk Road Agent (NMWTRA) seeks an Assistant Ecologist to support the Climate Change and Environmental Team in delivering ecological compliance and enhancement across Welsh trunk roads. The role covers advising on impact mitigation, reviewing surveys, and supervising on-site work.

The successful candidate will manage ecological enhancement projects, obtain licences where required, and collaborate with external organisations to maximise biodiversity opportunities while meeting

Qualifications

• Degree or MSc in Zoology, Botany, Ecology or relevant ecological subject.
• HNC/HND/NVQ Level 4 in ecology related subject with at least 5 years’ experience.
• Experience in undertaking ecological surveys for species and habitats.
• Good understanding of Welsh/UK environmental legislation for nature conservation.

Responsibilities

• Assist Climate Change and Environmental Team with WG policy and legislation compliance.
• Provide ecological advice to NMWTRA and partners on assessment, impact and mitigation.
• Review internal/external documents, surveys and reporting; attend meetings.
• Site supervision and technical guidance to capital delivery and maintenance teams.
• Identify ecological assets, design enhancement projects and manage monitoring.

Skills

Team collaboration

Personal initiative

Interpersonal communication

Ability to work under pressure

Organisation and planning

Diplomacy and tact

Site supervision

Education

Degree in Zoology/ Ecology

MSc in Ecology or related subject

HNC/HND/NVQ Level 4 ecology

5+ years relevant experience

Tools

GIS

Word

Excel

Databases

Job description

Duration: Permanent
Location: one of the following office locations; Aberystwyth, Newtown, Llandrindod
Hybrid working

CLOSING DATE: 14/09/26

This is an exciting opportunity to join the North and Mid Wales Trunk Road Agent (NMWTRA) and support the management of one of Wales’ most important transport networks.

The Assistant Ecologist will be responsible for assisting the Climate Change and Environmental Team with implementing the requirements of Welsh Government (WG) policy and environmental legislation such as Wildlife and Countryside Act 1980 and Section 6 of Environment Wales Act. To provide professional ecological advice and support to NMWTRA and our partners regarding the assessment, impact and mitigation of our operations on ecology and biodiversity, ensuring NMWTRA is both compliant with legislation and maximising biodiversity opportunities. To provide direct ecological support and technical advice to NMWTRA capital delivery and maintenance teams including review of internal and external documents, surveys and reporting, technical advice, attendance of meetings and site supervision.

Work within the Environment Team to manage the soft estate inventory including the identification of the location and condition of ecological assets. The Assistant Ecologist will also propose, design and manage a programme
of ecological enhancement projects developed from routine and reactive maintenance activities associated with the soft estate and environmental management, assist the Ecology and Environment team and other
NMWTRA staff with obtaining NRW license’s where required and discharging any conditions and requirements such as surveys, monitoring and reporting to ensure compliance, and work with the Environment team to manage projects related to ecological enhancement and mitigation works.

Who we’re looking for

Job Specific Criteria
Essential

• Ability to work in a team environment.
• Self-motivated, committed and with personal initiative.
• Well-developed interpersonal communication skills with ability to inspire and motivate others.
• Ability to work safely under pressure and to deal with tight deadlines.
• Able to work with limited supervision, to prioritise own workload.
• Good organisational skills, innovative and forward thinking.
• Ability to communicate in a courteous, tactful and diplomatic way when dealing with contentious issues, understanding policies and constraints of others.
• Ability to provide guidance, manage, supervise and lead on ecological matters within NMWTRA teams and projects.
• Ability to persevere with achieving ecological best practice and legislative compliance when this is not always a popular decision with others.
• Ability to work in consultation and partnership with external organisations and consultants.
• Dedicated to accuracy and delivery of tasks to achieve best outcome for environment.
• Evidence of commitment to continuing personal and professional development.
• Frequently work hours which are outside normal hours as required.

Qualifications and Relevant Training
Essential

Degree or MSc in Zoology, Botany, Ecology or a relevant ecological subject. HNC/HND/NVQ (Level 4) in an ecology related subject and at least 5 years’ relevant experience.

• Experience in undertaking ecological surveys for species and habitats.
• Understand the ecology of a range of common protected species.
• Experience in identification of a range of common UK species and habitats.
• Had involvement in the development of species or habitat mitigation and enhancement works.
• Experience in applying for and obtaining licences for Protected Species and Sites.
• Good understanding of relevant Welsh / UK Environmental Legislation especially for nature conservation.

Skills and Specialist Knowledge

• Ability to use Geographical Information Systems (GIS), capture data in the field, analyse and manipulate data, produce maps and reports.
• IT literate – use of Word, Excel spread sheets and databases.
• Skills in concise report writing, data management and interpretation.
• Ability to scrutinize reports and documents produced by others to ensure that content is satisfactory.
• Well-developed oral and written communication skills to a wide range of audience. Ability to motivate and educate others.
• Practical skills in identifying main species groups and knowing where to find further information.
• Problem solving skills and finding ways to resolve conflict and achieve quality results.
• Knowledge of UK nature conservation legislation, wider environmental legislation, standards and industry good practice guidance.
• Health and Safety awareness.
• Current valid driving license.

The ability to speak Welsh is desirable and English is essential for this role.