Ecologist
| Job Type | Contract |
| Location | Porton Down |
| Area | Uk-wide, UK |
| Sector | Defence & Nuclear |
| Salary | £527 Per Day |
| Start Date | May 13th, 2025 |
| Advertiser | Jack Ingram |
| Job Ref | PSR1JP00088101 |
| IR35 | Inside |
- Description
- The Client:
A government department client is looking for a Ecologist to join them on a 3 month contract. This position will be hybrid, Porton Down.
Job Summary:
- Responsible for Ecology across the PTN Estate, developing a rural estates plan for the Ecology of the Estate ensuring the needs of the organisation are not impacted.
- The Ecological Officer is accountable to the Rural Estate Manager for the management and delivery of the objectives set within the client PTN Stone Curlew Conservation Project.
- They also ensure the client 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 client Policy.
- To be responsible for the management and delivery of the objectives set within the client PTN Stone Curlew Conservation Project.
- Ensure that all works required to maintain the Stone-Curlew programme are undertaken working with the Ecologist. There are legally mandated requirements to maintain the number of breeding Stone Curlew on the Porton Down SSI Site; the Stone Curlew Programme is in place to ensure this continues and any changes can be evidentially demonstrated. Any drop below the mandated numbers can result in Natural England taking control of the SSSI and in the worst case stopping all trials work.
- The Stone Curlew are classed as a Schedule 1 Bird under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (Protection of Birds) and, as such, all incidents impacting upon their care are reportable to the Secretary of State with substantial fines and prosecution where the Act is breached.
- Deliver the mandated and monitored actions to maintain the SSSI (Site of Scientific Special Interest), SPA (Special Protection Area) and the SAC (Special Area of Conservation) located across the PTN site. These sites, when combined, carry a range of legal obligations which are levied against client.
- Ensure compliance with environmental regulations whilst facilitating the effective use of client land for trials and operations. The Ecologist also serves as the essential link between Dstl, the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), and key government bodies such as Natural England.
- Understand and provide working knowledge of key legislation including the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017, and the Environment Act 2021 imposes strict obligations on organisations to prevent harm to protected species, habitats, and ecosystems all of which fall within the PTN site boundaries. Non-compliance will also result in reputational damage and substantial delay to operational support.
- Production of reports and provision of advice in support of client operations, Trials and developments which may impact on the PTN SSSI, SAC, and SPA.
- Management and maintenance 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).
- To be responsible for the management of the tasks required for the Environmental Change Network Project as the Projects designated Site Manager.
- Agreed projects within the PTN Rural Maintenance Plan are planned and executed efficiently.
- Provision of data in support of Habitat Regulations Assessments & Sustainability Appraisals.
- Ensuring that ECN/Conservation risk assessments, plans and control measures for both client and contractors are suitable and sufficient and that they are monitored and reviewed as necessary.
- Authorised collection, collation and analysis of ecological data to support client's objectives and legislative duties.
- Production of communications as instructed and authorised in line with the client procedures for internal and external publications.
- Work with the Rural Estate team in the protection and monitoring of the Stone Curlews as part of the Stone Curlew project.
- Understand the Archaeological area on the client Range ensuring that it is maintained and does not fall into unfavourable status with the Regulator bodies.
- Degree or equivalent in ecology.
- Understating of MOD procedures.
- Experience of land management operations and best practise.
- Working experience of maintaining a SSSI (Site of Scientific Special Interest), SPA (Special Protection Area) and the SAC (Special Area of Conservation) and ensuring all areas remain in a favourable condition and comply legislation and law.
- Ensures compliance with environmental regulations whilst facilitating the effective use of land for trials and operations.
- Understand key legislation including the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017, and the Environment Act 2021 imposes strict obligations on organisations to prevent harm to protected species, habitats, and ecosystems.
- A strong knowledge and understanding of the practical aspects of conservation and rural management.
- Qualifications and skills needed to enable them to carry out their role and identify emerging best practises that will positively impact the client Estate and its function.
- Proven ability and desire to develop relationships with key stakeholder.
- The ability to work proactively and collaboratively with a range of stakeholders.
- A strong customer service ethic, which will enable you to coordinate with colleagues and contractors.
- City & Guilds or equivalent in Agricultural/Forestry/Land Management.
- Knowledge and use of Microsoft Office package.
Our Company:
Malikshaw Interim & Executive is a specialist provider of talent management solutions helping our clients transform the delivery of our public services. As an Equal Opportunities Employer, we combine providing the best talent with delivering diverse, inclusive workforces and particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented. These include people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, disabled people, LGBTQI+ people, and women.
How to Apply:
Please apply through the link provided to send your application directly to the Recruiter managing this assignment.
Disability Confident:
As a member of the disability confident scheme, the Client guarantees to interview all candidates who have a disability and who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of candidates who have a disability who meet all the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group.
Armed Forces Covenant:
As a member of the Armed Forces Covenant, the Client guarantees to interview all veterans or spouses / partners of military personnel who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of ex-military candidates / military spouses or partners, who meet all of the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group.
If you qualify for any of the above, please notify us on your covering letter and your recruiter will confirm if the client is a member. We will then be in touch to discuss your suitability and arrange your Guaranteed Interview.
Should you require reasonable adjustments at any point during the recruitment process or if there is a more accessible way for us to communicate, please do let me know.
- Responsible for Ecology across the PTN Estate, developing a rural estates plan for the Ecology of the Estate ensuring the needs of the organisation are not impacted.
