Ecologist - Elan Valley Trust

Countryside Classroom; Elan Village; Remote; GBP 35,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Countryside Classroom is seeking an ecologist to help manage a 4,000-acre estate landscape with diverse habitats, including hay meadows, acid grasslands and open hill habitats. You will provide ecological guidance to tenants and ensure compliance with biodiversity objectives and statutory obligations across SSSI/SPAs/SACs areas.

You will contribute to peatland restoration projects, work with the wider peatland team, and help plan environmental surveys and conservation work.

Job description

If you are enthusiastic about having a lasting impact on a landscape to support nature and climate goals, then we are looking for an ecologist who has enthusiasm, commitment and understanding of this important landscape.

You will provide advice and guidance on the management of approximately 4,000 acres of in-hand farmland, comprising a diverse range of habitats, including species-rich hay meadows and pasture, acid grassland, ffridd, open hill habitats dominated by Molinia, dry heath, and smaller areas of woodland. The estate also contains numerous designated sites, including Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs), Special Protection Areas (SPAs), and Special Areas of Conservation (SACs), all of which require careful management and compliance with relevant statutory obligations.

You will support tenants, in understanding the management requirements of their farms and identifying opportunities to enhance biodiversity, habitat quality, and ecological resilience.

You will also contribute to the delivery of peatland restoration projects. This will include working closely with the wider peatland team, providing ecological advice and guidance, and supporting the planning and delivery of environmental surveys and related conservation work.

We offer a friendly and flexible working environment, and the chance to make a positive difference in this unique landscape.