Location
West Midlands, hybrid working with allocation of a nearby Hub for collaborative working. Site visits across the West Midlands region required.

Hours
Full Time

Salary
£33,677 per annum plus £4,680 Car Cash Allowance (£390 per month)

About the Role
Are you passionate about ecology and conservation and looking to make a real difference to nature recovery? The Canal & River Trust is seeking an Ecologist and Project Manager to lead the next phase of the Unlocking Biodiversity project, funded by Severn Trent. This project aims to preserve and restore habitats within the West Midlands and support the wildlife that depends on them. Building on exceptional habitat improvements delivered since April 2023, this phase focuses on monitoring and maintaining habitats such as reedbeds, aquatic margins, hedgerows, heathland, and grassland, alongside further habitat creation and non-native species control. A key conservation aim is the continued recovery of water voles in the region.

You will be responsible for surveying habitats, implementing and updating action plans, designing and delivering further restoration works, and controlling invasive species. The role involves working with volunteers and contractors, requiring strong leadership and collaboration skills. You will also deliver training and awareness sessions, manage procurement and budgets, and ensure compliance with environmental policies and funder reporting requirements. Promotion of the project through various media and engagement with stakeholders, volunteers, and the public is also a key part of the role.

This is a home-based role with regular site visits and collaboration with internal Trust teams and external partners including NGOs, local authorities, landowners, and volunteer groups. The successful candidate will contribute to the Trust’s environmental and heritage asset management and help enhance the Trust’s reputation and influence in nature recovery and conservation.

Experience
- Proven project management experience including contract, budget, and reporting management.
- Experience planning and undertaking habitat and protected species surveys.
- Proven application of specialist ecological knowledge within a business environment.
- Experience influencing and negotiating with internal and external stakeholders.
- Knowledge and practical experience of UK and European environmental policy and regulatory frameworks.
- Evidence of continuing professional development.
- Experience working with volunteers and contractors.
- Full UK driving licence with access to own car for business use.
- Basic DBS check required.

About you
- Passionate and effective advocate for nature recovery.
- Excellent organisational and scheduling skills.
- Strong communication skills, able to adapt style and content for different audiences.
- Capable in a range of media types.
- Reliable, flexible, self-motivated, and able to work independently or as part of a team.
- Good problem-solving abilities.

Qualifications
- Degree or equivalent qualification in ecology or a related subject.
- Desirable: Membership of CIEEM.
- Desirable: Knowledge of GIS.