Ecologist

Cumbria Connect is developing a Landscape Recovery Scheme, the Penrith2Kendal Arc, in the
eastern Lake District encompassing land from Penrith to Kendal along a broad geographical
corridor. The Landscape Recovery Scheme will benefit threatened and iconic species such as
water vole, ring ouzel, cuckoo, marsh fritillary and red squirrel. It will expand territory for
pine marten and beaver and provide new habitat for declining species that need space to move
and thrive in the landscape. In collaboration with more than 30 land managers we aim to recover
nature across 14,500ha of habitats that include upland heath, blanket bog, rivers and
floodplain, woodland and scrub, wetlands, semi-improved and unimproved grassland including hay
meadows.

Landscape-scale change requires innovative ways of baselining and monitoring. This exciting and
innovative programme is looking for someone to join the team and contribute to the ecological
aspects of this ambitious scheme. We require an experienced ecologist to develop the land
management and monitoring and evaluation plans for the 2-year development phase of the Penrith
to Kendal Arc Landscape Recovery Scheme. These plans will then form the baseline and future
monitoring proposals as our vision for the project area develops over 20+ years of the
implementation phase of the scheme which follows the development phase. The Ecologist will lead
on: developing environmental outcomes and a theory of change to enable us to reach those
outcomes; complete feasibility studies for species reintroduction; undertake baseline surveys
and condition assessments for multiple habitats and species; create a baseline monitoring plan;
collaborate with other organisations and consultants and support the preparation of costed
habitat restoration plans, natural capital audits and farm carbon plans. 

Essential skills

• We are looking for somebody who has extensive scientific knowledge of ecology and habitat
  management across a range of habitats and has specialist knowledge of upland conservation
  management, with experience of carrying out research, surveys and monitoring.
• A broad knowledge of natural history, including ecological processes and species from a
  wide range of taxonomic groups is essential. 
• Applicants must have experience of working with land managers, an ability and experience of
  translating technical ecological knowledge to land management practice, be able to analyse data
  and to write clear and concise reports. 
• Applicants must be able to travel and work flexibly.
• A UK driving licence is essential, (or ability to access locations without public
  transport) as locations are not served by public transport.

This is a Fixed-Term for 21 months, Full-Time role for 37.5 hours per week. 

The RSPB reserves the right to extend or make this role permanent without further
advertising dependent on business needs at the end of the contract term.

We are looking to conduct interviews for this position in the week commencing 10th June 2024.
For further information please contact [email protected]

As part of this application you will be asked to provide a copy of your CV and complete a short
form. If you wish to provide a cover letter with your application, please include this at the
end of your CV document upload.

We are committed to developing an inclusive and diverse RSPB, in which everyone
feels supported, valued, and able to be their full selves. To achieve our vision of creating a
world richer in nature, we need more people, and more diverse people, on nature’s side. People
of colour and disabled people are currently underrepresented across the environment, climate,
sustainability, and conservation sector. If you identify as a person of colour and/or disabled,
we are particularly interested in receiving your application. Contact us to discuss any
additional support you may need to complete your application.

The RSPB is an equal opportunities employer. This role is covered by the Rehabilitation of
Offenders Act 1974.

The RSPB is a licenced sponsor. This role is not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship – the
successful applicant will need to have a pre-existing Right to Work in the UK in order to be
offered an employment contract.