Full job descriptionSummary Property Ecologist

Please Note - This is a Fixed-Term contract until 28th March 2029
We’re looking for a Property Ecologist to help deliver ambitious nature recovery across National Trust land in Cumbria, with a particular focus on natural process led nature recovery alongside playing a leading role in a partnership Arctic-Alpine restoration project.
This role combines field ecology, habitat assessment and nature recovery across some of Cumbria’s most important landscapes. A key part of the role will be supporting the Arctic-Alpine partnership project, helping to conserve and recover rare montane habitats and species through survey, monitoring, habitat assessment and the development of practical conservation interventions. Alongside this, you will support the development and delivery of landscape-scale nature recovery projects, applying natural process-led approaches to restore ecosystem function and build more resilient landscapes.
What it’s like to work here Nature recovery in Cumbria is delivered through collaboration between property teams, specialist advisers and partners. As part of the Restore Nature Delivery Team, you’ll work alongside project managers, rangers and specialists to deliver conservation outcomes across landscapes that are nationally and internationally important for biodiversity.
This is an opportunity to apply ecological expertise on the ground, as it’s a field-based and collaborative role, with significant time spent working across National Trust land in Cumbria - helping to shape practical management decisions and delivering evidence-led conservation at a landscape scale.
What you’ll be doing You will provide ecological expertise to inform and support the delivery of nature recovery projects across Cumbria.
A key element of the role will be contributing to the Arctic-Alpine partnership project, using field survey, habitat assessment and ecological monitoring to inform the conservation and recovery of rare montane habitats and species. Alongside this, you will apply ecological evidence to support the design and delivery of nature recovery projects that restore natural processes and improve the resilience of habitats across the wider landscape.
You will:
*Deliver ecological surveys, habitat assessments and species monitoring across a range of upland, freshwater, woodland, grassland habitats.
*Support the planning, delivery and evaluation of habitat restoration and species recovery projects.
*Lead ecological work associated with the Arctic-Alpine partnership programme, including survey, monitoring and condition assessment.
*Provide ecological advice to support natural process led ecosystem restoration.
*Analyse ecological data and use evidence to inform practical conservation actions.
*Support the preparation of habitat management plans, restoration plans and funding applications.
*Work with property teams, specialists, consultants and delivery partners to develop practical conservation interventions and commission or interpret specialist ecological work.
*Build the ecological knowledge and capability of colleagues, volunteers and partners.
*Ensure ecological work complies with relevant legislation, organisational policies and sector best practice.
Who we’re looking for Who we’re looking for
*Degree in Ecology, Environmental Science or a related discipline, or equivalent professional experience.
*Experience undertaking ecological field survey and habitat condition assessment across a range of UK habitats, including a detailed understanding of different survey methodologies
*Ability to identify and assess habitats and native species relevant to upland landscapes, including specific knowledge of Arctic-Alpine habitats, montane ecology or upland plant communities.
*Understanding of ecosystem processes and their role in shaping habitats and species populations, with experience using this knowledge to inform practical nature recovery at a landscape scale.
*Experience working collaboratively with land managers, contractors, consultants or partner organisations to deliver conservation outcomes.
*Ability to analyse ecological information and communicate findings clearly through technical reports, management recommendations and presentations.
*Experience using GIS to manage and analyse ecological information.
*A comprehensive understanding of environmental legislation, licencing and best practice. This includes practical experience of applying for species licences, protected sites consent and designing project specific environmental protection and mitigation plans.
Why join us?
The role offers a unique blend of specialist Arctic-Alpine conservation work and broader ecological delivery, working across habitats ranging from montane plant communities to woodlands, rivers, grasslands and peatlands with a focus on supporting the delivery of process led nature recovery at scale.
The package The National Trust has the motto ’For everyone, for ever’ at its heart. We’re working hard to create an inclusive culture, where everyone feels they belong. It’s important that our people reflect and represent the diversity of the communities and audiences we serve. We welcome and value difference, so when we say we’re for everyone, we want everyone to be welcome in our teams too.
•Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary
•Free entry to National Trust places for you, a guest and your children (under 18)
•Rental deposit loan scheme
•Season ticket loan
•EV car lease scheme (for roles that meet the salary criteria)
•Perks at work discounts such as gym memberships, shopping discount codes, cinema discounts
•Holiday allowance up to 32 days relating to length of service, plus holiday purchase scheme, subject to meeting minimum criteria.
•Flexible working whenever possible
•Employee assistance programme
•Free parking at most Trust places
Click here to find out more about the benefits we offer to support you.