Location
Initially based at Forestry England’s Yorkshire Office in Pickering. The post will move to the Dalby Forest Office in spring/summer 2028. Regular travel around Forestry England’s estate in Yorkshire is required, with occasional trips outside Yorkshire for Forestry England-wide meetings, which may require overnight stays.

Hours
37 hours per week

Salary
£35,039 per annum

About the Role
As District Ecologist with Forestry England in Yorkshire, you will play a leading role in helping nature recover across some of England’s most treasured landscapes. You will provide expert ecological advice that shapes how forests are managed for wildlife, people, and climate, ensuring protection of designated sites, conservation of protected species, and delivery of nature recovery at a landscape scale. Working closely with colleagues across the district and national organisation, you will develop and implement management plans for protected sites, guide ecological aspects of operational and long-term forest planning, and help create resilient, nature-rich forests for future generations.

Covering a varied district including over 1,000 hectares of SSSIs and 2,000 hectares of ancient woodlands, you will coordinate the planning and delivery of nature recovery operations on protected sites. Responsibilities include designing and overseeing monitoring programmes, analysing evidence to inform land management decisions, managing nature recovery projects and contracts, and building strong partnerships with conservation organisations, landowners, and academic institutions. You will also support volunteering initiatives and explore new ways to engage the public to improve understanding of the forests.

You will be part of a supportive Yorkshire team as well as a wider national network of ecologists and nature recovery specialists, with opportunities to develop your expertise in ecology, monitoring, conservation management, and sustainable forestry.

This is a fixed term appointment until March 2029, with the possibility of extension or permanency but no guarantee.

Experience
Proven experience in ecological advice, conservation management, or related environmental roles is highly desirable. Experience working with protected sites, species conservation, and nature recovery projects will be advantageous.

About you
You will be passionate about nature conservation and sustainable forestry, with strong communication and partnership-building skills. You should be able to work collaboratively across teams and with external stakeholders. A proactive approach to problem solving, excellent organisational skills, and the ability to manage multiple projects are essential. Willingness to travel regularly within the district and occasionally outside Yorkshire is required.

Qualifications
A relevant degree or equivalent qualification in ecology, environmental science, forestry, or a related discipline is expected. Membership of a professional body or commitment to continual professional development is desirable.