Strategy and Regulation – Senior Ecologist (Maternity Cover)

Strategy and Regulation – Senior Ecologist – Maternity Cover

Salary: £30,394 to £37,992, dependent on experience + quarterly bonus + car
allowance + pension + 25 days annual leave (pro-rata as required)

Location: Midway, Bradford with hybrid working

*This role is being offered on a temporary basis for 9 months, with a possible 3 month
extension*

Who are we looking for?

We are currently recruiting for a Senior Ecologist to work with our Clean and
Catchment Strategy Team, working with a team focused on delivering environmental improvements
for our customers. The team will help drive environmental projects from inception and
justification within our business plans, through to on the ground delivery alongside internal
and external partners.

With biodiversity net gain (BNG) becoming mandatory this year, the management
of our land holdings of c. 27,000 ha and our large programme of capital works, we are offering
an exciting opportunity for a Senior Ecologist to become involved and make a
difference. Every day will be different and while the focus of the role is on BNG, there is the
opportunity to undertake surveys across the region from Wharfdale to Runswick Bay. This could
be helping advise on managing orchids growing on service reservoirs in Sheffield, through to
the impacts of abstractions on otter populations in the Yorkshire Wolds. A full UK
driving Licence and your own car is therefore essential.

What will you be doing in the role?

As our Senior Ecologist, your primary focus will be helping embed the
requirements of BNG across our construction practices, offering advice on the requirements of
BNG by Local Authority and under changing Natural England guidance, as well as advising on
biodiversity net gain metrics and reports compiled by external consultants. You will also:

• Work with project managers, designers and contractors to ensure our processes around BNG
  are efficient and drive good outcomes for biodiversity
• Work collaboratively with our internal land and property team to strategically look at
  biodiversity net gain and help design and deliver habitat creation
• Use the DEFRA metric as well as on occasion, undertake field surveys using the UK Habitat
  Classification methodology with the latest DEFRA metric condition assessments
• Help to analyse and manage our spatial ecological data in GIS and assist in responding to
  ecological queries from the wider business on various protected species

Knowledge and Skills Required

Essential:

Our Senior Ecologist will have a strong ecological background with experience
in habitat mapping and restoration, together with a passion for collaborative working with a
variety of internal teams and external partners. With the ability to plan and undertake habitat
mapping using UK Habitat Classification (to at least level 4 classification), you will also:

• Be able to use the DEFRA metric (currently on version 4.0 but experience of version 3.1 is
  also required), with competence in at least the habitat and linear modules
• Have previous experience in undertaking condition assessments of habitats using the DEFRA
  metric technical supplement
• Have experience of using the DEFRA metric to achieve BNG and proposing
  enhancements/creation of habitats while understanding limitations
• Previously have worked on construction projects and with integrated design teams
• Demonstrate an in-depth ability in planning and phasing surveys, commissioning surveys and
  other monitoring, data analysis and interpretation
• Be competent in undertaking surveys to identify potential presence of protected species
• Competent with ArcGIS PRO, ArcGIS Online and using ArcGIS Field maps
• Be able to plan and manage your own workload and work with a degree of autonomy
• Hold a full UK Driving licence

Desirable:

• MoRPh trained
• Experience with the watercourse module in the DEFRA metric
• Experience in undertaking HRA (both Screening and Appropriate Assessment) and preparing
  SSSI Assents
• CIEEM membership and/or a degree or postgraduate degree in a relevant discipline
• Protected species licensing and advising on wildlife law

Ordinarily the role will be based in Bradford, however there is a network of Yorkshire Water
offices across the region that can be utilised and the nature of the role allows us to
accommodate hybrid working.

If you feel this opportunity is suitable and you match the skills required, then please
apply online and complete the application process. Please upload an up-to-date copy of your
CV and cover letter, outlining your relevant
experience for the role.

Recruitment Process:

Closing date: Wednesday 7 June 2023

Interviews: From Tuesday 13 June 2023