CSD Higher Officer- Habitat Change Ecologist - ( Ref : 6628 )

Job summary

This position is based Nationally

Job description

Join us in shaping a future where nature and people thrive. Whether you're drawn to hands-on conservation or playing a vital part behind the scenes, your work at Natural England will support lasting benefits for the environment and society.

Our Role

Natural England is the Government’s adviser for the natural environment and the Nature regulator with a wide range of statutory duties and powers. We provide the evidence, expertise and advice to recover Nature and shape better places for people to live. We do this working through and with others.

Strategic Outcomes for Nature

Our strategy is framed through four strategic outcomes. Each of these outcomes reinforces and amplifies the others, and together they address environmental, social and economic actions critical to thriving nature.

• Recovering Nature– Increased scale and quality of places where nature thrives.
• Building Better Places– Greener homes and infrastructure create healthier, more investable places, recognising we live better where nature thrives around us.
• Improving Health and Wellbeing– Build nature into everyday life so people can support, access and benefit from nature, wherever they live.
• Delivering Security through Nature– Nature helps us adapt to the threats of a changing climate and improves our national security, supporting more resilient food production, healthy soils, clean and plentiful water and clean air.

Find out more about the work of Natural England at:

Natural England’s Strategy: Recovering Nature for Growth, Health and Security - GOV.UK

Job description

The Role

The Evidence Services Directorate provides scientific and evidence leadership, services, and support to help Natural England operate as an evidence-led organisation. The Team is responsible for delivering Natural England’s part of the Natural Capital and Ecosystem Assessment (NCEA).

The successful applicant will be responsible for providing information to the transformative ‘Natural Capital & Ecosystem Assessment’ (NCEA) Programme. NCEA is a Defra Group evidence programme which aims to deliver high quality national and local evidence to assess the state and condition of biodiversity, ecosystems, and natural capital assets across our terrestrial, freshwater and marine environments.

Natural England’s Terrestrial NCEA delivery is organised into projects:

• Mapping and Earth Observation – Spatial data and maps on natural capital to inform national and local decision making and delivery.
• England Peat Map – Mapping the extent and condition of England’s peatlands.
• Field data collection – Data on habitats, soils, landscapes and species to understand the condition of natural capital assets.
• Citizen science – Working with citizens and community science to fill gaps, provide local and landscape scale information and engaging the public.
• Data mobilisation and integration and reporting – Making NCEA, partner and volunteer data available for analysis, integration and use, producing high quality evidence products by analysing and integrating NCEA data.
• Programme management – Managing Natural England’s NCEA programme.

Living England Project

This role sits within Project NE1 – Mapping and Earth Observation as part of the Living England team.

The Living England project is a long-term monitoring project mapping England’s diverse habitat extent and distribution at a national scale, using earth observation data and AI/ML techniques. The team provide impactful natural capital evidence feeding into key policy areas such as the EIP/25YEP D1 indicators, Biodiversity Net Gain and the Landscape recovery scheme.

Underpinning these maps, is a targeted national field survey to collect data to inform the team’s analytical methods and ensure evidence is robust and representative. The team are in an exciting new phase developing innovative methods for habitat change detection at scale, requiring further data collection and analysis, and ecological understanding of habitat transitions, timescales and feasibility to support the development of new approaches.

Key Tasks/Principal Accountabilities

We are looking for an ecologist with knowledge of monitoring habitats in the field and understanding of how habitats change through time. This includes experience of field survey planning, project management, good botanical survey skills in a range of habitats and experience using a range of digital data capture tools and a willingness to use new technology. This role contributes to the capacity and expertise within the field team and includes developing new ecological frameworks with the technical team, to support change detection assessments and ensure data generated by the team continues to be underpinned by robust ecological principles.

Due to the nature of this role, following interview panel assessment suitable candidates may need to undertake a brief, online field identification test. Suitable candidates will be contacted separately regarding this assessment.

• Provide ecological input towards the development of habitat change frameworks for successional/directional changes between habitats over time.
• Contribute towards the development and improvement of survey methodology and explore opportunities for improvements, enhancements and/or innovations in the field collection process.
• Provide ecological advice to guide the habitat classifications used for Living England and respond to habitat classification queries from both internal and external sources.
• Provide ecological input working under the direction of Senior Officer and Data Scientists to develop Living England field protocols and guidance.
• Provide and/or support training (e.g., courses, webinars, in field coaching etc.) and mentoring opportunities for other staff to develop and build upon their existing ecology skills and knowledge of land management practices.
• Undertake site surveys, record findings and analyse the condition of a variety of landscapes, species and habitats. Support project/field survey planning and co-ordination.
• Resolve problems that involve detailed investigation, analysis, and the exercise of judgement in making recommendations or determining appropriate action. For example, liaising with stakeholders and contractors to promote use of the data and data collection.
• Lead or coordinate surveys/project progress and share findings to relevant audiences via webinars, articles, team and project meetings as necessary.
• Collate existing habitat data records from Natural England internally and external partner organisations to inform likely locations of habitat change and update Living England ground truth data catalogue.

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

• A degree in Botany, Ecology, Environmental Science and/or Conservation or an equivalent qualification and relevant work experience.
• Botanical Field Skills Identification Certificate (FISC) at Level 4 (good) or above (or equivalent expertise).
• A broad understanding across the breadth of field ecology skills (including NVC) with strong expertise on UK priority habitats and species.
• Knowledge of UK habitat classifications, seasonal and successional habitat shifts, management and recovery activities.
• Knowledge of management practices to maintain or enhance a range of ecosystems, habitats, species, and geodiversity.
• Experience in ecological field surveys and their planning and project management.
• Experience of GIS, Field data collection apps and interpretation skills
• Data management skills, including attention to details and understanding of Quality Assurance process.
• Ability to drive – a full UK driving licence.

Benefits

At Natural England, we support a healthy work-life balance by offering full-time, part-time, and flexible working arrangements.

We provide excellent opportunities for career progression, training, and development tailored to your role. This includes ten days annually for personal learning and development, plus three additional days for volunteering.

You’ll receive a generous leave allowance of 25 days per year (pro rata), increasing by one day for each year of service up to 30 days (pro-rata), access to the Civil Service Pension scheme with a 28.97% employer contribution, and a range of benefits such as shopping discounts and a cycle-to-work scheme. Staff can also join the Civil Service Sport club for discounts on sports, leisure activities, and social events.

We are committed to fairness, equality, and inclusivity. Our employee-led diversity networks help foster a welcoming environment where everyone feels valued and supported.

Locations

Natural England has adopted hybrid working – which means our staff work from a flexible range of locations, encompassing home, offices (ours and our partners) and relevant sites. All new staff will be formally linked to one of our 25 offices across England, and the expectation is that all new staff will be able to access their local office to be part of the community of staff in their geographical area. Staff are expected to attend their associated office for 20% of their contractual hours.

Staff members are required to carry out all their duties working in this way and cannot do so from an overseas location at any time. Travel expenses will be paid if work-related travel is required but does not apply to travel between home and your associated office.

National team roles can be linked with any Natural England office while Area Team roles will be linked with an office in the relevant geographic area.

View a map of our office locations here: online map of Natural England office locations

Pay

It is Natural England policy to employ at the entry point of the salary range.

You will become an active member of the relevant local leadership community, the group of senior Natural England staff in each of the localities across England who we ask to provide support and co-ordination for the local group of staff.

How to Apply

We welcome and encourage applications from all communities. Natural England is accredited to the Disability Confident Scheme, which denotes organisations which have a positive attitude towards disabled people. Disabled applicants who meet the minimum requirements for the role at the shortlisting stage are guaranteed an invitation to interview.

If you require a reasonable adjustment at interview, or there is anything else you would like the panel to take into consideration, you should notify us of this at application stage where possible, or well in advance of your interview. We now provide primary interview questions in advance for all formal recruitments.

This vacancy uses competency-based assessment. We'll assess you against the competencies below during the selection process. Please be aware that we reserve the right for roles that receive a high volume of applications to initially sift applications for one competence only.

• Technical Skills and Knowledge
• Work Delivery
• Putting People at the Heart of the Environment

When completing the application form you should present relevant examples using the STAR format. Give us an example of how you have demonstrated the competency (which can be work related or from another area of your life) and tell us about the Situation, the specific Task you had to undertake, the specific Actions you took, and the Result (both immediate and in a wider context) of your Action.

Please note that STAR format is not required when answering the Technical Skills & Knowledge competency.

Examples should be given in no more than 250 words for each competency.

If you are successful at the shortlisting stage, you will be invited to attend an interview via MS Teams or a suitable alternative, where you will be asked to give examples for all competencies as set out in the Job Description.

As with all roles in NE, these roles require office attendance of a minimum of 20% of the working time – one day per week for those who work full time, subject to any reasonable adjustments and/or existing contractual homeworking.

Competencies

Competence 1

Professional competency

Detail

Technical Skills and Knowledge

Description

• A degree in Botany, Ecology, Environmental Science and/or Conservation or an equivalent qualification and relevant work experience. (Essential)
  • Botanical Field Skills Identification Certificate (FISC) at Level 4 (good) or above (or equivalent expertise). (Essential)
  • A broad understanding across the breadth of field ecology skills (including NVC) with strong expertise on UK priority habitats and species. (Essential)
  • Knowledge of UK habitat classifications, seasonal and successional habitat shifts, management and recovery activities. (Essential)
  • Knowledge of management practices to maintain or enhance a range of ecosystems, habitats, species, and geodiversity. (Desirable)
  • Experience in ecological field surveys and their planning and project management. (Desirable)
  • Experience of GIS, Field data collection apps and interpretation skills. (Desirable)
  • Data management skills, including attention to details and understanding of Quality Assurance process. (Desirable)
  • Ability to drive – a full UK driving licence. (Desirable)

Competence 2

Professional competency

Detail

Work Delivery

Description

• Apply the relevant methodologies and tools for collecting and collating data/evidence including metadata. (Practitioner)
  • Handle data responsibly, understand your role in good governance, and comply with delegations, policies and procedures. (Practitioner)

Competence 3

Professional competency

Detail

Putting People at the Heart of the Environment

Description

• Nurture trusting partnerships and collaborate to achieve pragmatic outcomes that help deliver Natural England's vision, mission and aims. (Practitioner)
  • Build relationships and effective networks both externally and internally to bring in fresh perspectives, approaches and evidence to raise the profile of both your individual specialist work and that of Natural England. (Practitioner)

Person specification

Please refer to Job Description

Licences

Ability to drive – a full UK driving licence.

Qualifications

A degree in Botany, Ecology, Environmental Science and/or Conservation or an equivalent qualification and relevant work experience. (Essential)
•Botanical Field Skills Identification Certificate (FISC) at Level 4 (good) or above (or equivalent expertise). (Essential)
•A broad understanding across the breadth of field ecology skills (including NVC) with strong expertise on UK priority habitats and species. (Essential)
•Knowledge of UK habitat classifications, seasonal and successional habitat shifts, management and recovery activities. (Essential)

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £32,240, Natural England contributes £9,339 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).

• Learning and development tailored to your role
• An environment with flexible working options
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
• A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%

Things you need to know

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

Please refer to Job Description

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see theCivil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).

Apply and further information

The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment (opens in new window).Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Contact point for applicants

Job contact :

• Name : Ruth Crundwell
• Email : ruth.crundwell@naturalengland.org.uk
• Telephone : 07826 065227

Recruitment team

• Email : defra-recruitment-enquiries@resourcing.soprasteria.co.uk

Further information

https://networkrecruitment.tal.net/vx/appcentre-7/brand-4/spa-1/candidate/so/pm/1/pl/8/opp/6628-6628-CSD-Higher-Officer-Habitat-Change-Ecologist/en-GB

Attachments

DEF-001h - Candidate Pack Natural England v2.9 Opens in new window (docx, 548kB)