Location
The King’s House, Lyndhurst, Hampshire, SO43 7NH (South District team)

Hours
37 hours per week

Salary
£33,854 per annum

About the Role
Join Forestry England’s New Forest Habitat Restoration Team as an Ecologist, delivering terrestrial and wetland habitat restoration programmes with a focus on Higher-Level Stewardship (HLS) funded projects. You will provide essential ecological support to the team, planning and delivering habitat restoration across the New Forest. This role involves leading your own restoration projects and ensuring high ecological standards are maintained throughout. Forestry England is committed to growing the nation’s forests for everyone, enhancing biodiversity, and creating sustainable environments for wildlife and people alike. The New Forest HLS scheme is one of the largest, focusing on restoring internationally important habitats across approximately 20,000 hectares.

Forestry England’s Biodiversity Plan drives a bold ambition for nature recovery in the nation’s forests, and this role is integral to delivering that vision. You will be part of a passionate and expert team working across a diverse and nationally important landscape that includes Special Areas of Conservation, Special Protection Areas, Ramsar sites, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and Sites of Special Scientific Interest.

Benefits
Alongside your salary, Forestry England contributes an average of 28.97% towards your pension through the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension Scheme. You will receive 25 days holiday per year, increasing by one day per year of service up to 30 days (pro-rated for part-time employees), plus bank holidays. Additional benefits include an employee discount scheme offering savings on everyday shopping and services, free parking at Forestry England sites, free entry to National Arboretums at Westonbirt and Bedgebury, and a strong commitment to lifelong learning and career development through continual professional development and sponsored membership of professional bodies.

Experience
Experience in ecological survey, habitat restoration, or related environmental work is desirable. Proven ability to deliver projects to high ecological standards and work collaboratively within a team environment is essential.

About you
You are passionate about nature conservation and habitat restoration, with strong communication and influencing skills. You are able to work effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team. You demonstrate sound decision-making abilities and a commitment to continuous improvement and innovation. A flexible and proactive approach to work is important, as is the ability to engage with a range of stakeholders.

Qualifications
A relevant degree or equivalent qualification in ecology, environmental science, or a related discipline is required. Membership of a professional body is desirable. You must have the ability to converse in accurate spoken English as required by the Immigration Act 2016.