AMS PSR

On behalf of Network Rail, we are looking for a Senior Ecologist (Inside IR35) for a 6 month contract. This roles requires candidates to commit to three days field work and two days office based per week - Bletchley.

Network Rail is at the heart of revitalising Britain’s railway. From Crossrail – Europe’s largest civil engineering project – to investment in world-class stations and major programmes of electrification, we are involved in some of the most ambitious and diverse ventures that this country has ever seen. We at Network Rail are dedicated to becoming one of Britain's best employers and believe this starts with placing the candidate at the heart of everything we do!

Job Purpose:

To lead the provision of ecological expertise to Works Delivery or Delivery Unit. To provide support and guidance to integrate the Network Rail Environment Policy and environment management systems to deliver legislative compliant projects and to contribute to continuous improvement in environment and ecological management.

As a Senior Ecologist, your main responsibilities will be to:

• Lead and direct a team of Ecologists to undertake a range of railway infrastructure Ecological field surveys, including protected species surveys, Phase 1 Habitat Surveys, ecological impact assessments, support the completion of biodiversity accounting and the production of habit management plans. 
• Oversee the specialist ecological advice and guidance provided to senior leaders, project management teams, Works Delivery and Maintenance teams.
• Lead the provision of regular project updates and deliver progress reports including, risks and issues, to the relevant project / programme management team.
• Write clear, concise surveys, map target notes, and have the ability to compile vegetation management scoping documents in line with the relevant Network Rail standards and suitable for the Contracts & Procurement tendering purposes.
• Liaise with the Environmental Specialist team on project surveys and agree appropriate mitigation strategies to comply with current legislation.
• Direct the completion of data analysis from survey results to support the delivery of remitted works to programme.
• Lead the liaison process for Ecological compliance requirements with statutory bodies and local authorities.
• Support the production of periodic business reporting.
• Accountable for the production of environmental and ecological appraisal and recommendations reports.

Essential: 

• Full/associate/graduate membership of Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM) (depending on experience)
• Experience in delivering projects to a specified timescales and within agreed budget parameters
• Experience in managing teams to deliver within prescribed timescales
• Experience in interpreting and presenting gathered survey data and delivering Ecologist reports that fulfil the varied remits
• Knowledge of rail maintenance delivery process and completing rare species surveys
• Good interpersonal, influencing, communication and organisation skills and be a task orientated leader
• Full understanding of UK and European wildlife legislation and best practice guidance experience
• Comprehensive field experience with ability to identify Ecological constraints during site visits
• A relevant higher degree in Ecology, Zoology, Biological Sciences, or other relevant Environmental Sciences
• In-depth experience of Ecologist practices within the railway environment is essential

Desirable:

• Working knowledge of CDM Regulations
• Knowledge and experience of operational railway environment
• Knowledge of ISO 14001 Environmental Management Standard
• Experience attending client meetings and working with multi-disciplinary teams
• Full UK driving licence
• A good working knowledge of Network Rail IT systems and mapping tools

Please be aware that this role can only be worked within the UK and not Overseas.

Network Rail is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. They welcome applications from everyone.

Disability Confident

As a member of the Disability Confident Scheme, Network Rail guarantees to interview all candidates who have a disability and who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of candidates who have a disability who meet all the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group. This scheme encourages candidates with a disability and/or neurodivergence to apply. In exceptional circumstances, we may also need to apply the desirable criteria in our shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.

Armed Forces Covenant

Network Rail guarantees to interview veterans or spouses / partners of military personnel who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of ex-military candidates / military spouses or partners, who meet all of the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group. In exceptional circumstances, we may also need to apply the desirable criteria in our shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.

In applying for this role, you acknowledge the following "this role falls in scope of the Off Payroll Working in the Public Sector legislation. Any rates of payment quoted will reflect the gross rate per day for the assignment and will be subject to appropriate taxes and statutory costs. As such the payment to the intermediary and your income resulting from this contract will be different".