<h4>Nature Recovery Corridor – Ecologist</h4> <h4>Temporary (November 2021 – March 2023) – Full time (35)</h4>

We are Chester Zoo, and for over 90 years, we have been a leading conservation and education charity, and an amazing, award-winning visitor attraction.

We’re also a team of passionate, talented, enthusiastic and expert people, doing everything we can to prevent extinction, from caring for animals to discovering new conservation ideas, and giving our visitors an inspirational day out.

We work hard because we love animals, we care about nature, we love Chester Zoo and, despite all the recent challenges thrown at us, we still want to be the best zoo in the world! If you think you can help us to achieve that, then we’d love to hear from you.

We currently have an exciting vacancy for an Ecologist to join our Field Programmes team working specifically on the Nature Recovery Corridor Project. This project is funded by the Government's Green Recovery Challenge Fund. The fund was developed by Defra and its Arm's-Length Bodies. It is being delivered by The National Lottery Heritage Fund in partnership with Natural England, the Environment Agency and Forestry Commission. To find out more about the Nature Recovery Corridor visit https://www.chesterzoo.org/what-you-can-do/nature-recovery-corridor/

The role:

• To support delivery of the Chester Zoo Biodiversity Action Plan and the Chester Zoo Nature Recovery Corridor through the provision of ecological monitoring and expertise.
• To design, coordinate and deliver ecological monitoring, habitat restoration and management recommendations that will underpin biodiversity management decisions on the zoo estate and surrounding sites working in partnership with Chester Zoo.
• To consult with internal and external stakeholders to ensure ecological monitoring meets planning, legal, Health & Safety and any other requirements. Including creating the correct briefs and project managing any ecological consultants to ensure timely delivery of works to fit with project schedules.
• To hold necessary licenses, knowledge and training to deliver required ecological monitoring
• To ensure accurate quality data management of ecological data, appropriate analysis, reporting, mapping, dissemination, and provision of professional recommendations, to inform biodiversity management decision making.
• To ensure all report recommendations are compliant with relevant and current wildlife protection legislation (e.g. Wildlife & Countryside Act) and Natural England protected species/habitat standing advice and guidance. 
• Help raise awareness of on-site biodiversity. Increase our internal knowledge and capacity to manage and promote onsite biodiversity and ensure legal compliance.
• Assist, as appropriate, with community focussed Green Recovery Challenge Fund Project activities including engagement and capacity building of local community groups, biodiversity training for trainees and other meetings with stakeholders.

The successful candidate will have:

• Subject knowledge: The post holder requires a strong knowledge of conservation and the key issues threatening the natural world today, particularly with a focus on UK wildlife. This is likely to be demonstrated by a relevant degree and/or experience of working within a conservation organisation, ecological consultancy, or similar environment, ideally in a UK setting.
• Authoritative knowledge in at least one taxonomic group or accomplished knowledge in a range of taxonomic groups.
• Experience of ecological consultancy work.
• Appropriate licenses to conduct/oversee core ecological services.
• Excellent working knowledge of UK wildlife related law.
• Excellent time management, administration and planning skills. Ability to coordinate multiple activities, meeting deadlines and ensuring appropriate quality control
• Good diplomacy and interpersonal skills. Ability to work effectively under own initiative and as part of a team
• IT Skills: Skilled in the use of all key Microsoft packages and experience of GIS
• Experience in data handling and basic statistical analysis, plus report writing skills
• Practical experience in habitat management techniques – meadows, reed beds, or woodland for example, and experience of agri-environment schemes desirable.
• Experience of managing external consultants/contractors and leading/managing volunteer groups would be desirable
• Full driving license

The hours of work are 35 hours per week, worked predominantly between 8am-5pm Monday-Friday. Weekend and evening work may be required to meet the needs of the project for which time off in lieu will be given.

The salary for this role is £25,910.00 per annum and in addition we offer a range of amazing benefits which can be found at www.chesterzoo.org/work-with-us/staff-benefits/

To apply for this position, click ‘Apply Now’ to provide your current CV and complete the application form highlighting your skills and experience including why you believe you should be considered for our Ecologist role.

Closing date for applications is midnight on 19th September 2021.

Interviews will take place on 13th and 14th October 2021.

Chester Zoo is hosting two virtual open hour slots where you can come along to find out more about the Nature Recovery Corridor and the various jobs that are currently being promoted as part of the project team. There will be opportunity to ask questions, with representation from Education, Science and People Teams. Please click the link in advance to register if you are interested.

Thursday 9th September 12pm-1pm https://chesterzoo-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAsc-CsrDguG9TQusy4POZlzgV3xQGPMPPs

Thursday 9th September 6.30pm-7.30pm https://chesterzoo-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMrcOiurjkiHdztMxsYO-lVo-s7XClx8khh