NMWTRA Wales | Assistant Ecologist

Salary: £41,177 – £43, 149

Duration: Permanent

Location: one of the following office locations; Aberystwyth, Newtown, Llandrindod

Hybrid working

CLOSING DATE: 26/10/26

Application forms and further details available through Gwynedd Council website view here or by telephoning 01286 679076.

Click to apply

This is an exciting opportunity to join the North and Mid Wales Trunk Road Agent (NMWTRA) and support the management of one of Wales’ most important transport networks.

The Assistant Ecologist will be responsible for assisting the Climate Change and Environmental Team with implementing the requirements of Welsh Government (WG) policy and environmental legislation such as Wildlife and Countryside Act 1980 and Section 6 of Environment Wales Act. To provide professional ecological advice and support to NMWTRA and our partners regarding the assessment, impact and mitigation of our operations on ecology and biodiversity, ensuring NMWTRA is both compliant with legislation and maximising biodiversity opportunities. To provide direct ecological support and technical advice to NMWTRA capital delivery and maintenance teams including review of internal and external documents, surveys and reporting, technical advice, attendance of meetings and site supervision.

Work within the Environment Team to manage the soft estate inventory including the identification of the location and condition of ecological assets. The Assistant Ecologist will also propose, design and manage a programme

of ecological enhancement projects developed from routine and reactive maintenance activities associated with the soft estate and environmental management, assist the Ecology and Environment team and other

NMWTRA staff with obtaining NRW license’s where required and discharging any conditions and requirements such as surveys, monitoring and reporting to ensure compliance, and work with the Environment team to manage projects related to ecological enhancement and mitigation works.

To assist the Climate Change and Environmental Team with implementing the requirements of Welsh Government (WG) policy and environmental legislation such as Wildlife and Countryside Act 1980 and Section 6 of Environment (Wales) Act 2016.

To provide professional ecological advice and support to NMWTRA and our partners regarding the assessment, impact and mitigation of our operations on ecology and biodiversity, ensuring NMWTRA is both compliant with legislation and is maximising biodiversity opportunities. To provide direct ecological support and technical advice to NMWTRA Capital delivery and maintenance teams including review of internal and external documents, surveys and reporting, technical advice, attendance of meetings and site supervision. Work with Ecologist, and the Climate Change and Environment Team to manage projects related to ecological enhancement and mitigation works Work within the Climate Change and Environment Team to manage the soft estate inventory including the identification of the location and condition of ecological assets. Propose, design and manage a programme of ecological enhancement projects developed from routine and reactive maintenance activities associated with soft estate and environmental management. To assist the NMWTRA Ecologists, the Climate Change and Environment Team and other NMWTRA staff with obtaining NRW licences where required and discharging any conditions and requirements such as surveys, monitoring and reporting to ensure compliance. To work with the NMWTRA Ecologists to obtain protected species licenses and protected site assents and progress with developing Programme of Works Licenses for Protected species to the satisfaction of Natural Resources Wales (NRW). To work with the NMWTRA Ecologists and NRW to develop a reporting system for compliance with licenses. To work with the NMWTRA Ecologists to further develop the Trunk Road Environmental Checking System for all scales of work to ensure NMWTRA remains legally compliant. To work with NMWTRA and WG and partners to develop and contribute to Biodiversity and Nature Recovery Action Plans. Undertake site surveys and monitoring visits as required to ensure that NMWTRA staff/ partners/ consultants and WG Transport Major Projects are operating in compliance with legislation, policy, best practice guidelines and related documents eg CEMP, HEMP, EIA and NRW licence commitments. Specify, programme and undertake or procure specialist ecological surveys and monitoring visits and report on these. Develop recording systems and databases to capture information about ecological management and surveys.

Who we’re looking for

Job Specific Criteria

Essential

Ability to work in a team environment.

Self-motivated, committed and with personal initiative.

Well-developed interpersonal communication skills with ability to inspire and motivate others.

Ability to work safely under pressure and to deal with tight deadlines.

Able to work with limited supervision, to prioritise own workload.

Good organisational skills, innovative and forward thinking.

Ability to communicate in a courteous, tactful and diplomatic way when dealing with contentious issues, understanding policies and constraints of others.

Ability to provide guidance, manage, supervise and lead on ecological matters within NMWTRA teams and projects.

Ability to persevere with achieving ecological best practice and legislative compliance when this is not always a popular decision with others.

Ability to work in consultation and partnership with external organisations and consultants.

Dedicated to accuracy and delivery of tasks to achieve best outcome for environment.

Evidence of commitment to continuing personal and professional development.

Frequently work hours which are outside normal hours as required.

Essential

Degree or MSc in Zoology, Botany, Ecology or a relevant ecological subject. HNC/HND/NVQ (Level 4) in an ecology related subject and at least 5 years’ relevant experience.

Relevant Experience

Essential

Experience in undertaking ecological surveys for species and habitats.

Understand the ecology of a range of common protected species.

Experience in identification of a range of common UK species and habitats.

Had involvement in the development of species or habitat mitigation and enhancement works.

Experience in applying for and obtaining licences for Protected Species and Sites.

Good understanding of relevant Welsh / UK Environmental Legislation especially for nature conservation.

Skills and Specialist Knowledge

Essential

Ability to use Geographical Information Systems (GIS), capture data in the field, analyse and manipulate data, produce maps and reports.

IT literate – use of Word, Excel spread sheets and databases.

Skills in concise report writing, data management and interpretation.

Ability to scrutinize reports and documents produced by others to ensure that content is satisfactory.

Well-developed oral and written communication skills to a wide range of audience. Ability to motivate and educate others.

Practical skills in identifying main species groups and knowing where to find further information.

Problem solving skills and finding ways to resolve conflict and achieve quality results.

Knowledge of UK nature conservation legislation, wider environmental legislation, standards and industry good practice guidance.

Health and Safety awareness.

Current valid driving license.

Language Requirements

Essential

The ability to speak Welsh is desirable and English is essential for this role.

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