Railway Ecologist

Advance TRS; Leeds; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Advance TRS in the United Kingdom is seeking a Senior Ecologist to lead ecological services for railway projects in the UK. You will manage field surveys, support compliance with the Network Rail Environment Policy, and oversee the delivery of ecological reports and mitigation plans.

The role requires leadership, extensive survey experience, and up-to-date knowledge of UK wildlife legislation. Based in Leeds with field work across the region and collaboration with multi-disciplinary teams.

Qualifications

• Membership with CIEEM (full/associate/graduate) or equivalent.
• Experience delivering projects to specified timescales and budgets.
• Experience managing teams to deliver within timescales.
• Ability to interpret and present survey data and deliver ecological reports.
• Knowledge of UK and EU wildlife legislation and best practice guidance.

Responsibilities

• Lead and direct a team of ecologists to undertake railway ecological surveys.
• Oversee ecological advice to senior leaders and project teams.
• Provide regular project updates, including risks and issues.
• Prepare surveys, target notes and vegetation management scoping documents.
• Coordinate mitigation strategies with Environmental Specialist team to meet legislation.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Problem solving

Education

Higher degree in Ecology/Zoology/Biological Sciences

CIEEM membership (full/associate/graduate)

Tools

GIS / mapping tools

Job description

Job Title: Senior Ecologist

Job Purpose

To lead the provision of ecological expertise to Works Delivery or Delivery Unit. To provide support and guidance to integrate the Network Rail Environment Policy and environment management systems to deliver legislative compliant projects and to contribute to continuous improvement in environment and ecological management.

PTS

AC/DC

Key Accountabilities

• Lead and direct a team of Ecologists to undertake a range of railway infrastructure Ecological field surveys, including protected species surveys, Phase 1 Habitat Surveys, ecological impact assessments, support the completion of biodiversity accounting and the production of habit management plans.
• Oversee the specialist ecological advice and guidance provided to senior leaders, project management teams, Works Delivery and Maintenance teams.
• Lead the provision of regular project updates and deliver progress reports including, risks and issues, to the relevant project / programme management team.
• Write clear, concise surveys, map target notes, and have the ability to compile vegetation management scoping documents in line with the relevant Network Rail standards and suitable for the Contracts & Procurement tendering purposes.
• Liaise with the Environmental Specialist team on project surveys and agree appropriate mitigation strategies to comply with current legislation.
• Direct the completion of data analysis from survey results to support the delivery of remitted works to programme.
• Lead the liaison process for Ecological compliance requirements with statutory bodies and local authorities.
• Support the production of periodic business reporting.
• Accountable for the production of environmental and ecological appraisal and recommendations reports.

Job Skills, Experience and Qualifications

Essential

• Full/associate/graduate membership of Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM) (depending on experience)
• Experience in delivering projects to a specified timescales and within agreed budget parameters
• Experience in managing teams to deliver within prescribed timescales
• Experience in interpreting and presenting gathered survey data and delivering Ecologist reports that fulfil the varied remits
• Knowledge of rail maintenance delivery process and completing rare species surveys
• Good interpersonal, influencing, communication and organisation skills and be a task orientated leader
• Full understanding of UK and European wildlife legislation and best practice guidance experience
• Comprehensive field experience with ability to identify Ecological constraints during site visits
• A relevant higher degree in Ecology, Zoology, Biological Sciences, or other relevant Environmental Sciences
• In-depth experience of Ecologist practices within the railway environment is essential

Desirable

• Working knowledge of CDM Regulations
• Knowledge and experience of operational railway environment
• Knowledge of ISO 14001 Environmental Management Standard
• Experience attending client meetings and working with multi-disciplinary teams
• Full UK driving licence
• A good working knowledge of Network Rail IT systems and mapping tools

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity in our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status