Find More Than 10K+
United Kingdom Jobs

1

South East

Farnham , Reading , Wallingford

Staff Grade 4

Permanent

Full Time

Environment & Sustainability

£29,706

This is an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic and experienced ecologist to work within the Fisheries, Biodiversity and Geomorphology (FBG) team based in Thames Area.
Successful candidates will be expected to provide high quality biodiversity advice to a variety of internal and external customers. A large part of the role will be screening planning and permit applications, taking a risk based approach to help protect and improve the water environment and water-dependent wildlife.
As a Biodiversity Technical Officer, you will have excellent communication skills and experience of working with a wide range of people. You will be expected to deliver environmental outcomes and build strong relationships, both within the team and with internal and external stakeholders. You will be well-organised and have the confidence to work independently and on your own initiative.
In addition you will spend a proportion of your time contributing to our FBG Catchment Restoration Strategies, which are used to compile our evidence base and identify priorities and proactive project work. You will also work with the FBG Project Manager and Catchment Delivery Teams to help influence internal and external project partners.

The team plays a pivotal role in supporting the organisation to achieve biodiversity, ecological and fisheries objectives, including Biodiversity Net Gain.
We screen and advise on all relevant internal plans and projects for fisheries, biodiversity and geomorphology impacts to ensure compliance with relevant legislation.
We identify and influence opportunities to deliver multiple benefits through river basin and flood risk management planning and delivery, and influence partnerships to help meet the WFD and 25 YEP objectives.

Essential:

• Degree in relevant subject or equivalent professional experience
• Good understanding of biodiversity and ecological processes
• Good general field identification skills
• Ability to analyse and interpret ecological data and pressures on wetland species and habitats
• Self-motivated, acting independently with a pro-active approach
• Strong influencing skills with experience of engaging key stakeholders
• Confident communicator
• Excellent time management skills with an ability to manage an unpredictable workload and balance conflicting needs and priorities.
• Full driving licence

Advantageous:

• Knowledge of wetland and river conservation and legislation relating to wildlife and designated sites
• An understanding of policies relating to fisheries and biodiversity
• Experience of effective partnership working
• Knowledge of Natural Capital and Ecosystem Services
• Knowledge of Town and Country Planning processes
• Understanding river processes and hydrology
• Knowledge of Flood Risk Activity Permitting process

The Thames FBG team are a well-established team, with a supportive and inclusive nature. We are fully committed to having an inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve.
We operate a hybrid working model with a mix of office, home and field working. The role involves travel across the area and therefore a full driving licence is required.
All Environment Agency staff receive training to support our response to major incidents.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss the role, please contact Team Leader Andrew Weatherly (07798 882586 /[email protected])