Ecologist Officer

Defence Science and Technology Laboratory; Salisbury; On-site; GBP 37,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in defence and technology seeks an Ecological Officer to manage conservation projects at Dstl Porton Down. The role involves overseeing the Stone Curlew Conservation Project and ensuring compliance with environmental legislation. Candidates must have a degree in Ecology and experience in habitat management, with a strong focus on biodiversity.

Benefits

Excellent pension scheme with 26% employer contribution

Flexible working options including compressed hours

25 days annual leave plus public holidays

Support for learning and development

Onsite facilities including gyms and restaurants

Qualifications

• Professional experience in chalk grassland environment.
• Experience in legislative reporting on SSSI, SAC, and SPA.
• Ability to manage and analyze ecological data.

Responsibilities

• Manage the Dstl PTN Stone Curlew Conservation Project.
• Produce annual reports and support Dstl operations.
• Manage ecological data and maintain conservation plans.

Skills

Landscape/habitat management

Identification of British chalk grassland flora and fauna

Ecological data analysis

Education

Degree in Ecology

Job description

Apply before 11:55 pm on Sunday 15th June 2025

Salary: £37,769 - £43,815 Salary is dependent on Skills & Experience

Location: Dstl Porton Down, Salisbury, SP4 0JQ

About the job

Job summary

Do you have a passion for the environment?

The Ecological Officer is accountable to the Rural Estate Manager for the management and delivery of the objectives set within the Dstl Porton Down (PTN) Stone Curlew Conservation Project. They also ensure the Dstl Porton Down Site of Special Scientific Interest, (SSSI) Special Protection Area (SPA) and Special Area of Conservation (SAC) are maintained and managed in line with legislation and Dstl Policy.

Dstl’s unique characteristics include its location on extensive chalk grassland so the Dstl Ecological Officer will have practical working knowledge and experience of working within this environment and it will be one of their specialisms.

Dstl recognises the importance of diversity and inclusion as people from diverse backgrounds bring fresh ideas. We are committed to building an inclusive working environment in which each employee fulfils their potential and maximises their contribution.

Job description

In this role you will:

• Be responsible for the management and delivery of the objectives set within the Dstl PTN Stone Curlew Conservation Project
  
• Produce the Dstl PTN Stone Curlew Conservation Project Annual report documenting the outcome of the seasons activities
  
• Produce reports and provide of advice in support of Dstl operations, Trials and developments which may impact on the PTN SSSI, SAC, and SPA
  
• Manage and maintain of PTN conservation/ecological data to include the management of Recorder 2006 and the production and periodic review of the sites Business and Ecological Plans (BEPs)
  
• Be responsible for the management of the tasks required for the Environmental Change Network Project as the Projects designated Site Manager
  
• Agree projects within the PTN Rural Maintenance Plan are planned and executed efficiently.

Important Information

Our work in defence, security and intelligence requires our employees to be UK Nationals who are able to gain a high level of security clearance to undertake the projects we are involved in to protect us from security threats. For this reason, only UK Nationals will be able to apply for this role. If you are an international or dual-national candidate, and you think you have the skills we need, please consider applying to any of our government, security or defence partners.

This role will require full UK security clearance and you should have resided in the UK for the past 5 years. For some roles Developed Vetting will also be required, in this case you should have resided in the UK for the past 10 years.

Person specification

You will bring:

• Professional experience of working in a chalk grassland environment to include landscape/habitat management.
• Identification of British chalk grassland flora and fauna, e.g. butterflies, birds (including their song) mammals, reptiles, plants etc.
• Experience of the reporting the legislative requirements to external bodies on the SSSI, SAC, and SPA
• Authorising the collection, collation and analysis of ecological data to meet legislative and strategic deliverables

We will provide you the opportunity to be part of a great team, provide a valuable impact to the estate at Dstl & we offer great benefits and flexible working!

For a full job description detailing the essential skills & experience for this role, please see the Candidate Pack

Qualifications

• Degree in Ecology

Memberships

• CIEEM. (Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management).

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Leadership
• Changing and Improving
• Making Effective Decisions
• Managing a Quality Service

We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:

• Leadership

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £37,769, Defence Science and Technology Laboratory contributes £10,941 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

Benefits

Dstl’s full range of great benefits can be found in the information pack which includes:

• Financial: An excellent pension scheme starting from 26% employer contribution (find out more here). In Year Rewarding Achievement bonuses and thank you vouchers. Rental deposit scheme and cycle to work scheme.
• Flexible working: Options include alternative working patterns such as; compressed hours (e.g. working a 4 day week/ 9 day fortnight), job shares and annualised hours (agreed number of hours per annum paid monthly i.e. working term-time only).
• Working hours: Flexibility around your working day (e.g. start time, finish time). Ability to bank hours in a 12 month reference period including the ability to accrue and use 3 days per calendar month.
• Where you work: Depending on your role, blended working may be available including remote working to suit you and your team. This can be discussed at interview.
• Annual leave: 25 days pro rata (rising to 30 after 5 years) plus 8 public holidays with the ability to buy/sell 5 additional days per annum.
• Family: Maternity, adoption or shared parental leave of up to 26 weeks with full pay, an additional 13 weeks statutory pay and a further 13 weeks unpaid
• Learning and Development: Dstl encourages and supports charterships, accreditations and provides employees access to fully funded apprenticeships up to level 7 (Masters Degree). Dstl will pay for 2 memberships with relevant bodies/institutions. Employees also have access to Civil Service Learning.
• Facilities: Onsite parking, EV Charging points, restaurants, cafés and gyms.

For further information and to apply, please click here