The Senior Ecologist will play a key role in implementing the internal Standards and policies in relation to the Sustainable Land Use Programme and managing the lineside estate. This role will support a small team of Ecologists, with the goal of improving the management of Ecology across the South Wales area and aid subsequent delivery of maintenance works with the aim of running and safe and reliable railway.
Deliver advice and provide ecological expertise to key internal stakeholders and customers, including provision of specialist technical advice and guidance to provide assurance as to whether Network Rail is compliant with Wildlife legislation, policy and internal Standards including providing assurance on these activities. Project management is also an aspect of this role, also providing advice and input towards mitigation licensing for protected species.
We are looking for an experienced Ecologist for this role, who will have substantial knowledge in the field of Ecology with the ability to therefore provide technical advice and support to other Ecologists who they will line manage. The applicant would need to therefore be experienced in fieldwork and able to monitor and evaluate the condition of the lineside habitats as an Asset, produce relevant Ecological reports (including use of GIS to identify constraints to inform the delivery of works) and specify biodiversity enhancement requirements. Botanical skills to a Level 3 FISC BSBI (or working towards completing the assessment) – which is the minimum level required for Phase 1 habitat survey.
Key Accountabilities
1. 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.
2. Oversee the specialist ecological advice and guidance provided to senior leaders, project management teams, Works Delivery and Maintenance teams.
3. Lead the provision of regular project updates and deliver progress reports including, risks and issues, to the relevant project / programme management team.
4. 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.
5. Liaise with the Environmental Specialist team on project surveys and agree appropriate mitigation strategies to comply with current legislation.
6. Direct the completion of data analysis from survey results to support the delivery of remitted works to programme.
7. Lead the liaison process for Ecological compliance requirements with statutory bodies and local authorities.
8. Support the production of periodic business reporting.
9. 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
Network Rail adheres to a structured pay framework, any salary offered to you will be within the pay range advertised. If your current salary is above the maximum shown, you will transfer into the new role on your current base pay. For more information, please refer to your pay.
Salary: This role is a Band 3B. Salary £44,690 – £50,276.
Closing date: 24th August 2023
Please note the recruitment process for this role is a Competency based interview.
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, or disability status. Click here for more information.
Diversity and inclusion are more than just buzz words for us. We’re constantly striving to make sure we provide a welcoming and safe environment for everyone. We recognise that certain groups are under-represented within our team and we’re working closely with our regional diversity and inclusion networks to make sure we support these groups as best as we can.
We are working in conjunction with the Cultural Fusion team. If you would like support with your application or interview please contact Wales&WesternCulturalFusion@networkrail.co.uk or visit the connect page: Wales and Western Cultural Fusion (sharepoint.com). For all other support please contact your HR Business Partner.
Network Rail is a Disability Confident Leader and we’ll try our best to adapt the process and offer a reasonable alternative to help support people with disabilities access, apply and interview for roles. You can visit Evenbreak’s Career Hive for advice on accessibility support if you’re unsure of the options available. Should you require any reasonable adjustments/modifications, please contact Lewis Coates – 07809375678.
Should you wish to have a chat about this role, please contact Lewis Coates – 07809375678.
Keeping people safe on the railway is at the heart of everything we do. Safe behaviour is therefore a requirement of working for Network Rail. You should demonstrate your personal dedication to safety within your application.
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