Estate Biodiversity Officer

This is a key role working as part of our professional team taking responsibility for the promotion of UK native species and habitats across the zoo Estate. In addition to the main visitor attraction, the Chester Zoo estate encompasses over 200ha of farmland, wet meadow, reedbed, species rich grassland, woodland, and an extensive hedgerow and pond network. The Estate Biodiversity Officer will assist in the development and delivery of the Biodiversity Management Plan, with an ambition to have 30% of the estate managed to a high standard for UK biodiversity by 2030. As the Estate Biodiversity Officer, you will:

• Plan, deliver and report on habitat management works across the 80ha of biodiversity areas on the zoo estate.
• Coordinate external contractors and volunteers delivering habitat management and ecological work.
• Coordinate ecological monitoring across a range of taxa and habitats on the estate, including data management and reporting.
• Engage and communicate with relevant internal and external stakeholders to achieve maximum benefits for biodiversity.
• Assist the Estate Biodiversity Manager in the development and delivery of estate plans, projects, and reporting.
• Provide supervision, support and mentorship to university work placements.
  
  A working knowledge of conservation and the key issues threatening the natural world today, particularly UK biodiversity. This is likely to be demonstrated by a relevant degree and/or experience of working within a conservation organisation or similar environment in the UK.
• Practical experience and knowledge of management for a range of UK habitats.
• UK species knowledge, identification and surveying skills.
• Experience of managing contractors and/or volunteers.
• Excellent interpersonal skills that enable effective working relationships with a range of stakeholders.
• Experience and knowledge of health and safety practices relevant to UK conservation activities.
• Microsoft Office and report writing skills.
• Excellent time management and prioritisation skills.
• Full driving license
Although not essential, the following would be desirable:
• Experience and certificates in the use of brushcutters, chainsaws, tractors, and off-road driving.
• Knowledge of UK environmental compliance relevant to conservation activities.
• UK protected species licenses e.g. great-crested newt
• Experience of spatial mapping software
  
  About Chester Zoo
We're committed to preventing wildlife extinction and raising awareness around key conservation and environmental challenges across the UK and the world. By working in partnership, we bring together world-leading expertise in education, conservation, scientific research and policy to take a holistic approach to complex conservation issues. We're committed to preventing wildlife extinction and raising awareness around key conservation and environmental challenges across the UK and the world. By working in partnership, we bring together world-leading expertise in education, conservation, scientific research and policy to take a holistic approach to complex conservation issues. more

As the UK's biggest and best zoo, we have ambitious goals, exciting plans, and there's always lots going on here. We're an inclusive and diverse organisation, made up of nearly 500 permanent and 500 seasonal team members, and we know how important it is to invest in our colleagues to help boost their career development. The Package
• 40 hours per week permanent post
• Typically, 8am - 5pm (with 1 hour lunch), Mon-Fri, working hours but with flexibility as required to cater for seasonal activities.
• 33 days annual leave plus the option to buy or sell up to 5 days
• Staff pass so you can visit the zoo during your time off, plus multiple complimentary tickets for your friends and family
• Cycle to work scheme
• Healthcare plan and employee assistance programme
• Discounted gym membership
• Discounts on cinema tickets, restaurants, high street shops and more via Perks
• Pension scheme with generous employer contributions up to 9%