Ecological Monitoring Officer

Job content

Who we are

Established in 2000 as one of the pilot Local Record Centre in England we are a charity
experiencing growth along with the shifting demand for high quality biodiversity data needed to
underpin conservation decisions. With a database of over 2.5million records our mission is to
ensure access to high quality, robust monitoring data.

Never has biological data been more important. Whether it is for Biodiversity Net Gain, local
or national species atlases, Natural England inventories, Local Nature Recovery Strategies or
local planning decisions we are at the forefront of contributing to decisions affecting our
natural world in the Cheshire region.

We are dedicated to biological record collection but we function as part of a strong community
of wildlife experts working together to increase taxonomic ID skills and knowledge sharing.

Our work means we liaise with government agencies, local authorities, businesses, private
landowners, charities, county taxonomic experts, recording groups, community groups, private
individuals and more.

Our role is collating, managing and analysing biological records and our purpose extends to
engaging people with nature.

We are one of a network of Local Environmental Records Centres covering the UK and are a proud
member of the Association of Local Environmental Records Centres (ALERC) and the National
Biodiversity Network (NBN) and we work closely with both the Environment Agency and Natural
England in the discharge of their statutory duties.

We currently have an exciting opportunity to join our team. Reporting to the LRC manager with
the support of the Record team, this role focusses on ecological monitoring primarily across
the Chester Zoo estate.

Since 2018 we have supported the zoo’s conservation work on their site by leading on a suite of
species monitoring surveys on their nature reserve and wider estate. This monitoring work
informs management practices and contributes to the zoo’s UK Field Programmes delivery.

The Chester Zoo Nature Reserve has recently fulfilled the criteria for inclusion on the
register of Local Wildlife Sites. Our structured survey work, along with the site management
delivered by the zoo, has been key in gaining the local wildlife site designation.

We’re looking for someone who can continue this work and is used to being hands on in a small
team, with high standards of ecological monitoring. Communication, a warm and enthusiastic
attitude and attention to detail are key. Above all you should be keen to apply your skills and
interests to support Record in delivering their objectives and meeting the needs of the client.
You will be adept at prioritising survey schedules according to the seasons and working
outdoors and on rough terrain. You will also be experienced in national monitoring guidelines
and know how to deliver survey work in accordance with them.

You will have experience of leading on taxonomic monitoring e.g. invertebrates, botany with an
interest in applying this to inform site management.

We are looking for someone who can:
Carry out ecological surveys for a broad range of taxa with a focus on invertebrates and
botany

Consult with the client to meet their survey requirements & produce an annual report
detailing the results and summarising any necessary actions.

Support Record led engagement work with the recording community

Ensure accurate quality data management of ecological data including analysis, reporting
and dissemination

Management of Record volunteers participating in monitoring activities

Assist as required with community focussed activities/events including engagement and
capacity building of the public and recording community

Work comfortably with partner organisations

Undertake data handling and analysis according to project or team needs

Coordinate and carry out field surveys as supported by volunteers where required

Why join us?

It is an exciting time to join Cheshire’s LERC as our project work is diversifying.

We are a dedicated team of conservationists, educators, data experts and wildlife champions.

You will be part of a multi-disciplinary team working on a growing range of projects
contributing to local policy as well as biological data management.

There is always a lot going on and we encourage our staff to expand their learning in taxonomic
areas to boost their skills.

Our office is not a typical one, with our recording community volunteering their time each week
we are fortunate to have input from a diverse range of highly knowledgeable people making the
office a vibrant place to work. It is set within 50ha of the zoo estate including the nature
reserve and former agricultural fields with hedgerows, ponds and evolving grasslands.

The Chester Zoo Estate is home to a wide range of species, numbering in the thousands. There
are a number of locally rare and unusual species found on site, which makes the estate an
interesting site to survey.

The successful candidate will have:
Strong knowledge of conservation and the key issues threatening biodiversity in the UK. This is
likely to be demonstrated by a relevant degree and/or experience of delivering ecological
monitoring.Practical knowledge: Authoritative knowledge in at last one taxonomic group and accomplished in
a range of taxonomic groups. Excellent knowledge of landscape scale ecology and the ability to
look at how specific areas and habitats fit into the wider picture.Good understanding of the principles of ecological restoration, practical conservation skills
and project management.
Experience

Experience of planning and carrying out monitoring surveys either through ecological
consultancy work or similar experience.Competent in phase 1 habitat surveys and phase 2, UKHAB, NVC or other habitat assessment toolsExperience of liaising with external clients and leading volunteers.Experience in data handling and basic statistical analysis plus strong report writing skills.A degree or equivalent and or experience in relevant fieldFull driving licence

Although not essential the following would be desirable

FISC level 3-4

Job share/Part time will be considered