Job Title:Head of Ecology (Fixed Term 6 Months)

As dated on: 08/07/2013

Location:Holly Lodge, Richmond Park with travel to all Royal Parks

Grade & Salary: Grade III (executive) £ 31,390-37,930 pro rata

Relationships:Responsible to the Director of Parks (Deputy Chief Executive). Line management of two FTE staff Ecology Officer (Grade II) and GiGL Royal Parks Officer (contracted post: Grade II equivalent). Working with a range of external partners, volunteers and stakeholder groups.

Important Functional Relationships within TRP:

Park Management teams and office staff, The Parks Services Team, Wildlife Officers, Education team, plus other Headquarters-based teams (Project management teams, IT, Estates, Media and Communications etc.).

Important External Relationships:

Consultants, contractors, local authorities and other government departments and agencies, wildlife trusts and other wildlife conservation NGOs, London Biodiversity Partnership and other such partnerships, academic institutions, DCMS (e.g. Science Research Advisory Committee), Greenspace information for Greater London (GIGL), wildlife and friends groups, volunteers and members of the public, the public media (in consultation with TRP communications team).

Main Purpose of the Post:

To lead the provision of the services and information required to enable TRP to protect, conserve and enhance the natural environments and biodiversity of The Royal Parks

To lead the gathering and management of environmental and biodiversity information, and to facilitate data exchange with partner organisations and stakeholders.

To work in partnership with our diverse stakeholders to promote the ecological management of The Royal Parks in the context of local, regional & national priorities for biodiversity conservation.

To play a strong supporting role in delivering the benefits of biodiversity to our diverse audiences and future generations through community engagement.

To work to raise the professional profile of the TRP as an example of best practice at local, regional, national and international levels.

Job Description

a)To work with the Head of Parks (Deputy Chief Executive) and Ecology Unit staff to manage the Ecology Unit and its budget in order to deliver corporate objectives.

b)Managing the further development and implementation of the current Biological Recording Strategy – with annually updated objectives derived from the recommendations of The Royal Parks Biological Recording Strategy (2001) which include:

Overseeing the management of the TRP Recorder 6 database and GIS system (MapInfo v.11) via an annually renewed contracted service from Greenspace Information for Greater London (GiGL) that provides 1 FTE member of staff dedicated to TRP plus partnership services.

Carrying out data entry, management, reporting and statistical analysis of data as required. Data may derive from surveys, inspections and records provided by contracted survey projects, staff, volunteers and research projects.

To encourage, co-ordinate and manage volunteers to survey and provide data for the biological database and for ecological monitoring together with providing the necessary training and support.

To reinforce and build capability in the provision of ecological information services, including Information System development – to keep abreast of changes in software and system capability and the requirements of internal and external customers.

c)To carry out, participate in and deliverrelevant species and habitat surveys and projects e.g. to carry out field and laboratory work, research and data gathering.

d)To participate in (e.g. with TRP colleagues and partners), deliver and lead on wildlife conservation partnerships (e.g. Biodiversity Action Plans) of local, regional and national importance, taking a pro-active role when liaising and working with colleagues both within TRP and from external partners including local groups, governmental and non-governmental bodies.

e)To provide specialist advice. To research and prepare material, including the drafting of documents for meetings and presentations, the preparation of reports and publications.

f)To take overall responsibility for the management of the Ecology Section’s finances, and the procurement of goods and services.

g)To deal with relevant enquiries on ecological matters from internal and external customers including various stakeholder groups, volunteers, students and researchers.

h)To maintain relevant Continuing Professional Development, including attendance at relevant conferences/workshops/seminars, exhibitions and training courses to keep abreast of current industry standards.

i)To liaise with English Nature and individual Park Managers to ensure compliance with current nature conservation designations and protected species legislation.

j)To be aware of his/her responsibilities as described in the Health & Safety Manual and summarized in the Health and Safety Handbook and in particular to implement the policy in his/her area of responsibility.

k)To contribute to the DCMS Science Research Advisory Committee.

l)Other relevant duties that may be agreed with the Line Manager from time to time.

Other duties:

To contribute to the management and conservation of the historic landscape and tree resource.

To assist with the organisation, development and promotion of the Royal Parks Wildlife Groups including help with display and promotional material.

To provide specialist advice on specific fundraising opportunities for Biological recording and biological initiatives.

To assist with lifelong learning and community development strategies with particular regard to social inclusion and outreach opportunities.

To provide information and support to outside organisations as requested by the Director of parks.

Some out of hours working is required.

Competencies – Head of Ecology

Should hold relevant degree (or equivalent) in wildlife conservation or environmental studies preferably with a relevant postgraduate qualification (e.g. MSc or PhD).

At least three years post-qualification experience in the field of wildlife conservation. Preferably sufficient to become a full member of the Chartered Institute of Ecologists and Environmental Managers.

Good understanding of ecological land management principles and conservation of historic landscapes.

Relevant experience of carrying out biological surveys and subsequent monitoring, including species identification skills covering relevant flora and fauna.

Ability to identify priorities for biological surveys and prepare relevant project briefs.

Knowledge of contracts including writing and reviewing contracts and general contract management.
Experience of managing accounts; including managing orders, invoices and payments.

Excellent communication, interpersonal and negotiation skills and the ability to communicate well at all levels both within and outside of the Royal Parks.Able to represent TRP at conferences and workshops and to dealwith enquiries from volunteers/stakeholder groups/outside organisations.

Experience of report writing and proof reading skills and ability to present high quality and accurate reports to set deadlines with a high standard of literacy and numeracy.

Able to prepare and give presentations in professional forums (e.g. workshops and conferences), to the general public and volunteers.

The ability to share knowledge and skills with colleagues (including volunteers) and to contribute to development of team skills.

Able to train and manage the performance of volunteers/temporary staff assisting the work of the Ecology Section.

Experience of preparing information for external audits, such as ISO14001.

Ability to think creatively and to use initiative to solve problems in potentially variable and diverse situations.

Ability to plan and deliver practical wildlife conservation work programmes.

Sound knowledge of the principles and practice of biological recording preferably with some understanding experience of using a biological records database and GIS (Geographical Information System). TRP currently uses Recorder 6 and MapInfo v.11.

Good working knowledge of and ability to use a range of IT software programmes including routine use of Microsoft Office (particularly Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)

A sound understanding of national and regional legislation and policy relevant to biodiversity conservation, planning guidance, site designation for wildlife conservation and species status designations.

Proven ability in team leadership and motivation. Experience of line-managing staff and volunteers.

Be able to demonstrate leadership of partnership projects e.g. in the implementation and monitoring of Biodiversity Action Plans such as the London Acid Grassland Habitat Action Plan.

Able to identify customer needs and to work to improve service delivery.

Understanding and experience of opportunities/requirements for relevant fundraising coupled with sound financial management skills.

Able to demonstrate a highly motivated, flexible and innovative approach to work. Think creatively and to use initiative to solve problems in potentially variable and diverse situations. Show good time management skills and be able to prioritise work accordingly. Able to organise and support meetings and visits.

Able to work flexibly outside normal office hours, including some weekends and evenings to attend meetings and assist with special events.

Experience of carrying out Health and Safety risk assessments and a thorough working knowledge of health and safety requirements

Holder of a current driving license.