Ecologist (Part-Time)

Location: Wendling Beck, Norfolk (on-site for surveys; flexible remote working for

reporting and planning)

Duration: 12 months (starting as soon as possible, early 2026 latest)

Hours: Part-time, 2–3 days per week (with flexibility during peak survey windows)

Salary: Pro rata equivalent to £40,000 FTE (subject to experience)

Reports to: Habitat Delivery & Monitoring Manager

Supported by: Junior Ecologist (MSc qualified, part-time)

About Wendling Beck

Wendling Beck is a pioneering nature restoration and Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) habitat banking project in Norfolk.

The project brings together landowners, academics, eNGOs, infrastructure partners, Norfolk County Council and local stakeholders to restore and enhance habitats across c. 2,000 hectares, delivering measurable biodiversity uplift and environmental resilience.

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced Ecologist to provide maternity cover within the Wendling Beck project team for approximately 12 months.

This is a hands-on role focused on habitat condition monitoring, adaptive management, and stakeholder coordination, ensuring the project continues to meet its ecological objectives and statutory BNG obligations.

You will play a key role in implementing and refining our Habitat Monitoring and Management Plan (HMMP), coordinating survey data, supporting adaptive management decisions, and ensuring high-quality ecological reporting.

Key Responsibilities

• Habitat Monitoring & Condition Assessment

o Lead seasonal habitat condition and BNG monitoring surveys across a

range of habitats (grassland, scrub, watercourse, hedgerow, wetland,

woodland, etc.) using UKHab classification and Defra BNG condition

assessment protocols.

o Ensure consistency and accuracy of data collection using the Correo

platform (training provided).

o Coordinate and quality-assure survey data collected by the supporting

ecologist and external consultants.

• Reporting & Data Management

o Prepare concise and accurate survey summaries, BNG condition reports

and HMMP update notes.

o Manage spatial and ecological data (GIS familiarity beneficial) and ensure

integration with internal reporting systems.

o Track and document habitat changes, management interventions and

ecological outcomes.

• Adaptive Management & HMMP Review

o Review and refine the existing Habitat Monitoring and Management

Plan, identifying opportunities for adaptive management or improved

monitoring approaches.

o Provide informed, evidence-based recommendations for iterative plan

updates and management improvements of existing habitat.

o Advise and input into delivery team strategy for establishment of new

habitat areas

• Stakeholder Communication & Collaboration

o Work closely with Wendling Beck’s leadership team, land management

project manager, graziers, contractors, and partner ecologists.

o Support clear, open communication that builds understanding, trust and

alignment across all parties.

o Attend site meetings and contribute to decision-making around timing,

management, and ecological interventions.

• Compliance & Assurance

o Support internal and external ecological audit processes related to BNG

and habitat banking.

o Ensure ecological monitoring and reporting meet project and regulatory

standards.

Key Skills & Competencies

• Technical Ecology

o Strong applied knowledge of UKHab and BNG condition assessment

methodologies.

o Proven ability to plan, undertake and lead ecological and habitat

condition surveys.

o Confidence interpreting and reviewing habitat management plans and

adaptive management frameworks.

• Technology & Data

o Comfortable using digital tools for data collection, mapping and reporting

(Correo experience desirable; training provided).

o Familiarity with GIS (e.g. QGIS, ArcGIS) advantageous.

o Competent in Excel and report preparation.

• Communication & Collaboration

o Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, able to work

effectively with a range of stakeholders from farmers to regulators.

o Ability to convey ecological concepts clearly and constructively to non-

specialists.

o Strong organisational and time-management skills.

• Professional Judgement

o Confidence to challenge and contribute to continuous improvement in

ecological management.

o Attention to detail and commitment to maintaining high ecological and

reporting standards.

Qualifications & Experience

Essential:

• Degree in Ecology, Environmental Science or a related field.

• Minimum of 5 years professional experience in ecological survey and habitat

management.

• Demonstrable experience with UKHab and BNG metric/condition

assessments.

• Strong written reporting and analytical skills.

• Valid UK driving licence and ability to work on site as required.

Desirable:

• Postgraduate qualification (e.g. MSc in Ecology, Conservation, Environmental

Management).

• CIEEM membership (Associate or above).

• Experience with large-scale habitat restoration or BNG delivery projects.

• GIS skills.

• Familiarity with the Correo survey platform or similar digital data systems.

What We Offer

• Opportunity to contribute to one of the UK’s most ambitious landscape-scale

restoration and BNG projects.

• Collaborative, supportive working environment with a multi-disciplinary team.

• Flexible working pattern (2–3 days per week, including seasonal flexibility).

• Pro rata salary equivalent to £40,000 FTE, dependent on experience.

• Professional development opportunities including training on Correo and

project-specific methodologies.

Application Process

Please submit a CV and short covering statement outlining your relevant experience and interest in the role to info@wendlingbeck.org.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.