Ecologist – Woodland Creation & Carbon Planting Schemes

Kew Reach; Port Talbot; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A sustainable forestry management firm in Wales is seeking a passionate Ecologist to support woodland creation and carbon planting schemes. The ideal candidate will have a degree in Ecology or Environmental Science, experience in woodland ecology, and skills in GIS. Responsibilities include conducting assessments, ensuring compliance with environmental legislation, and collaborating with landowners to enhance biodiversity and climate resilience.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Generous annual leave and pension contributions

Opportunities for professional development

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of Welsh and UK environmental legislation and forestry standards.
• Experience in woodland ecology, habitat classification and protected species surveys.
• Membership of CIEEM or working towards it.

Responsibilities

• Provide ecological expertise for woodland creation projects.
• Conduct ecological assessments including UKHab surveys.
• Collaborate with landowners to develop woodland creation plans.
• Monitor ecological conditions during and after planting.

Skills

Ecological expertise

GIS proficiency

Communication skills

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Degree in Ecology or Environmental Science

Job description

About HW Forestry

HW Forestry provides sustainable forestry management and advisory services that combine commercial performance with environmental stewardship. With deep expertise in new woodland creation, woodland carbon projects, ecological services and long‑term estate management, HW Forestry supports landowners, investors, and developers in enhancing the natural and financial value of their assets. Drawing on decades of operational experience, the firm delivers end‑to‑end solutions across planning, establishment and management, ensuring every project aligns with best practice in biodiversity, carbon and rural development.

Role Summary

We are seeking a passionate and knowledgeable Ecologist to support the planning, implementation and monitoring of woodland creation and carbon planting schemes across Wales. This role is central to delivering biodiversity enhancement, climate resilience and carbon sequestration goals in line with Welsh Government initiatives and the UK Forestry Standard (UKFS).

Key Responsibilities

• Provide ecological expertise for woodland creation projects, from initial scoping to post‑planting monitoring.
• Conduct ecological assessments including Preliminary Ecological Appraisals, UKHab surveys and Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) evaluations.
• Interpret ecological data (e.g. LERC records, habitat surveys) to inform site selection and planting design.
• Ensure compliance with environmental legislation and best practice, including Habitat Regulations and protected species licensing.
• Collaborate with landowners, planners and Natural Resources Wales (NRW) to develop verified woodland creation plans.
• Support grant applications under schemes such as the Woodland Creation Grant and Small Grants – Woodland Creation.
• Deliver ecological toolbox talks and stakeholder engagement sessions.
• Monitor ecological conditions and mitigation measures during and after planting.
• Contribute to carbon accounting and reporting for afforestation projects.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Degree in Ecology, Environmental Science or related field.
• Strong understanding of Welsh and UK environmental legislation and forestry standards.
• Experience in woodland ecology, habitat classification and protected species surveys.
• Proficiency in GIS and ecological data analysis.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Membership of CIEEM or working towards it.

Desirable

• Experience in land management, forestry or agroforestry.
• Knowledge of carbon offsetting schemes and natural capital accounting.
• Familiarity with NRW verification processes and Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS) requirements.

Benefits

• Flexible working arrangements
• Generous annual leave and pension contributions
• Opportunities for professional development
• Contribution to climate and biodiversity goals in Wales.