OVERVIEW
Responsible for Ecology across the PTN Estate, developing a rural estates plan for the Ecology of the Estate ensuring the needs of the organisation are not impacted.
The Ecological Officer is accountable to the Rural Estate Manager for the management and delivery of the objectives set within the Dstl PTN Stone Curlew Conservation Project. They also ensure the Dstl Porton Down Site of Special Scientific Interest, (SSSI) Special Protection Area (SPA) and Special Area of Conservation (SAC) are maintained and managed in line with legislation and Dstl Policy.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- To be responsible for the management and delivery of the objectives set within the Dstl PTN Stone Curlew Conservation Project.
- Ensure that all works required to maintain the Stone-Curlew programme are undertaken working with the Ecologist. There are legally mandated requirements to maintain the number of breeding Stone Curlew on the Porton Down SSI Site; the Stone Curlew Programme is in place to ensure this continues and any changes can be evidentially demonstrated. Any drop below the mandated numbers can result in Natural England taking control of the SSSI and in the worst case stopping all trials work.
- The Stone Curlew are classed as a Schedule 1 Bird under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (Protection of Birds) and, as such, all incidents impacting upon their care are reportable to the Secretary of State with substantial fines and prosecution where the Act is breached.
- Deliver the mandated and monitored actions to maintain the SSSI (Site of Scientific Special Interest), SPA (Special Protection Area) and the SAC (Special Area of Conservation) located across the PTN site. These sites, when combined, carry a range of legal obligations which are levied against Dstl.
- Ensure compliance with environmental regulations whilst facilitating the effective use of Dstl land for trials and operations. The Ecologist also serves as the essential link between Dstl, the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), and key government bodies such as Natural England.
- Understand and provide working knowledge of key legislation including the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017, and the Environment Act 2021 imposes strict obligations on organisations to prevent harm to protected species, habitats, and ecosystems all of which fall within the PTN site boundaries. Non-compliance will also result in reputational damage and substantial delay to operational support.
- Production of reports and provision of advice in support of Dstl operations, Trials and developments which may impact on the PTN SSSI, SAC, and SPA
- Management and maintenance of PTN conservation/ecological data to include the management of Recorder 2006 and the production and periodic review of the sites Business and Ecological Plans (BEPs)
- To be responsible for the management of the tasks required for the Environmental Change Network Project as the Projects designated Site Manager
- Agreed projects within the PTN Rural Maintenance Plan are planned and executed efficiently.
- Provision of data in support of Habitat Regulations Assessments & Sustainability Appraisals
- Ensuring that ECN/Conservation risk assessments, plans and control measures for both Dstl and contractors are suitable and sufficient and that they are monitored and reviewed as necessary;
- Authorised collection, collation and analysis of ecological data to support Dstl’s objectives and legislative duties
- Production of communications as instructed and authorised in line with the Dstl procedures for internal and external publications
- Work with the Rural Estate team in the protection and monitoring of the Stone Curlews as part of the Stone Curlew project.
- Understand the Archaeological area on the Dstl Range ensuring that it is maintained and does not fall into unfavourable status with the Regulator bodies.
EXPERIENCE
ESSENTIAL SKILLS
- Degree or equivalent in ecology
- Understating of MOD procedures
- Experience of land management operations and best practise.
- Working experience of maintaining a SSSI (Site of Scientific Special Interest), SPA (Special Protection Area) and the SAC (Special Area of Conservation) and ensuring all areas remain in a favourable condition and comply legislation and law.
- Ensures compliance with environmental regulations whilst facilitating the effective use of land for trials and operations.
- Understand key legislation including the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017, and the Environment Act 2021 imposes strict obligations on organisations to prevent harm to protected species, habitats, and ecosystems.
- A strong knowledge and understanding of the practical aspects of conservation and rural management.
- Proven ability and desire to develop relationships with key stakeholders.
- The ability to work proactively and collaboratively with a range of stakeholders
- A strong customer service ethic, which will enable you to coordinate with colleagues and contractors.
DESIRABLE SKILLS
- City & Guilds or equivalent in Agricultural/Forestry/Land Management
- Knowledge and use of Microsoft Office package