Railway Ecologist

Advance Training & Recruitment Services; Leeds; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Advance Training & Recruitment Services seeks a Senior Ecologist to lead ecological expertise for railway projects. You will guide delivery teams, ensure legislative compliance, and drive continuous improvement in environmental management on a national scale.

The role requires leadership of field surveys, data analysis, and liaison with regulators, with a strong focus on delivering surveys and reports to time and budget constraints.

Qualifications

• CIEEM membership (full/associate/graduate) as appropriate.
• Experience delivering projects to timescales and within budget.
• Experience leading ecology teams to deliver surveys and reports.
• Ability to interpret survey data and produce specialist Ecologist reports.
• Knowledge of UK and European wildlife legislation and best practices.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of Ecologists to undertake railway ecological surveys (Phase 1 habitat surveys, protected species surveys).
• Oversee ecological advice to senior leaders and project teams.
• Provide project updates, risks and issues to management.
• Prepare surveys, target notes and habitat management plans for procurement/t tendering.
• Coordinate mitigation strategies with Environmental Specialist team.
• Direct data analysis to support remitted works.
• Liaise with statutory bodies and local authorities on ecological compliance.
• Support periodic business reporting and environmental appraisal reports.

Skills

CIEEM membership

Team management

Project delivery

Data interpretation

Ecology field surveys

Interpersonal communication

Wildlife legislation knowledge

Field survey reporting

Rail environment knowledge

Education

Higher degree in Ecology or related Environmental Sciences

Job description

Job Title: Senior Ecologist

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.