Principal / Project Ecologist

About Us

Situated in Wharfedale and near to Ilkley, Denton Reserve is a large estate consisting of SSSI
moorland, a variety of waterbodies, pastoral, woodland, and arable land. Our vision is to
demonstrate how we can secure the future of the English countryside and address the
biodiversity crisis through net zero nature recovery, sustainable food production, embracing
natural flood management and enriching lives through enhancing access to the countryside. 

We are focused on considering the ecological implications of all the actions we take, and
looking holistically at how the estate can benefit and engage with local and regional
communities; encouraging access to nature without detriment to the ecology. 

What we need:

We have already undertaken significant change on the estate, going from a traditional sheep and
shooting model to a more ecologically focused model, encompassing everything from regenerative
agriculture to bog restoration, rewilding and agroforestry.

We are looking for a full-time Ecologist with significant experience in all aspects of
ecology, including extensive survey and species identification skills. Someone ideally trained
in botany, priority habitat types and protected species; familiar with concepts of Ecosystem
Services, Natural Capital, Natural Flood Management and Nature Based Solutions who can produce
and contribute to technical reports, Ecological Impact Assessments, Invasive Species, BNG
assessments and other baseline assessments and monitoring of conservation and enhancement
projects.

You will ideally have an interest and knowledge of upland ecosystems, food production and
hydrology and you will further lead the overall approach to ecology at Denton Reserve, working
in partnership with our Land Management team to take full ownership of ecological interventions
and projects on the estate.

We would like someone with appropriate degree level qualification (or equivalent work
experience) in an ecological or conservation or related field. Knowledge of GIS and Microsoft
Office would be very useful as would knowledge of UK nature conservation legislation and
planning processes.

The role is initially funded as a fixed term role until November 2025 to support our Defra
funded Landscape Recovery Project, with a view to become permanent thereafter as we move into
the 20-year implementation phase.

What you will be doing:

Based at our offices on the Estate, you will work primarily in partnership with our Estate
Manager and Landscape Recovery Project Manager as well as other staff within the Land
Management team, including the Farmer, Stock Manager / Ranger, and other specialist staff. 

You will plan and implement baseline and monitoring programmes, with a significant part of the
role being to contribute to the development of a long-term monitoring and evaluation plan that
supports Denton Reserve’s 20-year Landscape Recovery Scheme implementation proposal.

You will need to contribute and work across any future grant funded conservation projects,
understanding and advising on ecological survey requirements to design and deliver the best
ecological outcomes. This may involve supporting the estate on any relevant applications to
environmental schemes and compiling and applying for consents, permits and exemptions.

You will advise on pest species lifecycles to improve food production, monitor and engage with
the beaver project, undertake deer surveys, undertake drone surveys and engage with internal
and external audiences, including statutory authorities to build contacts, spread awareness and
identify and cost new projects. You will also work closely with and advise BNG and green
finance specialists regarding ecology on the estate.

You will also become intrinsically involved in advising on the general and wider ecological impacts of other proposed
commercial and ecological development projects across the estate, upskilling and educating the
wider team and coordinating/attending relevant meetings and workshops to help build awareness
and support. You will be strongly motivated and confident to hold Denton Reserve to account on
the ecological impacts of all activities on the estate, particularly in relation to achieving
our net-zero and biodiversity goals and aligning with our Landscape Recovery Scheme targets.

What we offer:

• This is a fantastic opportunity to make meaningful change both to the local environment and
  ecosystem, but also more widely by helping to create a model for success that may be emulated
  on similar upland holdings.
• £35,000 – 45,000 per annum, full-time, depending on experience
• 28 days leave per annum
• Beautiful location near Ilkley (LS29 0HF)

To apply:

• Send your CV and a brief cover note outlining why you would be a good fit and why the role
  excites you to [email protected] 

For an informal chat or any queries prior to applying feel free to call or WhatsApp me on
07825 811260