Location
West Midlands, hybrid working (home-based with access to a nearby Hub)

Hours
Full Time

Salary
£33,677 per annum + £4,680 Car Cash Allowance

About the Role
Are you passionate about ecology and conservation and looking to make a real difference to nature recovery? We are 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 previous successful habitat improvements, this phase focuses on monitoring and maintaining habitats such as reedbed, aquatic margin, hedgerow, 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 monitoring existing habitats, updating and implementing action plans, and designing and delivering further restoration works. The role involves working with volunteers and contractors, requiring strong leadership and collaboration skills. You will attend site visits across the West Midlands and work closely with internal teams and external stakeholders including NGOs, local authorities, landowners, and volunteer groups.

Key responsibilities include conducting habitat surveys, implementing management plans, delivering training and awareness sessions, procuring contractor services, monitoring work quality, managing budgets and reporting, and promoting the project through various channels. You will also contribute to national and local engagement programmes to raise awareness of the Trust’s work and enhance its reputation and influence.

This role offers the opportunity to deploy specialist ecological skills across the Trust’s network and contribute to environmental and heritage asset management strategies, making a tangible impact on nature recovery and community engagement.

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 working within UK and European policy and regulatory frameworks
- Proven ability to influence and negotiate with internal and external stakeholders
- Evidence of continuing professional development
- Experience leading volunteers and working collaboratively with diverse teams

About you
- Passionate and effective advocate for nature recovery
- Excellent organisational and scheduling skills
- Strong communication skills, adaptable to different audiences and media types
- Reliable, flexible, self-motivated, and able to work independently or as part of a team
- Good problem-solving abilities
- Full UK driving licence with access to own car for business use
- Basic DBS check required

Qualifications
- Degree or equivalent qualification in ecology or a related subject
- Membership of CIEEM (desirable)
- Knowledge of GIS (desirable)