Ecologist Graduate

BnM has a large landbank and a diverse portfolio of projects in its development pipeline, including onshore wind, solar, energy storage, thermal generation, and emerging technologies designed to address the evolving needs of the energy system.

As an Ecologist Graduate, you will support the team with providing ecology, biodiversity support and services to BnM Renewable Energy projects and BnM peatland rehabilitation. Success in this role will be measured by the development of the candidates' skills and knowledge as an ecologist, support given to projects and targets and support given within the team contributing to the overall success of the department and organisation.

The main duties and responsibilities of the role will include the following:

• Contribute to general ecological support to Renewable Energy Projects. This will include baseline ecological survey of cutaway bogs, update site specific rehabilitation plans and supporting the delivery of the Environmental Impact Assessment Report and Appropriate Assessment/Natura Impact Statement for the proposed developments. Assist with liaising with 3rd party consultants, cutover and raised bog habitat mapping, ecological support, reviewing reports, participating in meetings and data management. Contribute to ecological surveys to support the BnM ecology baseline dataset. Assist with the support data management and the maintenance and development of various internal databases. Assist with the update of project specific documentation e.g. project programmes, financial tracking, risk registers, issues / action logs as required.
• Support the development of site-specific EPA rehabilitation plans and NPWS packages as part of the Peatland Climate Action Scheme and any other rehabilitation schemes or biodiversity projects that BnM may be involved. Contribute to other PCAS requirements (stakeholder consultation and management, liaising with NPWS staff, data management, Monitoring and Verification, habitat surveys, bird surveys, other ecological surveys, GIS mapping, liaison and support of other BnM PCAS staff, AA screening and NIS support). Contribute to the support of any statutory and legal reporting obligations such as AER's and the communication and agreement of bog rehabilitation plans with the EPA.
• Contribute to the support of other BnM peatland rehabilitation projects and assist in the delivery of the company's Biodiversity Action Plan. Engage with internal BnM stakeholders to consult on and raise awareness of the BnM Biodiversity Action Plan.
• Contribute to the support of ecological expertise in relation to the delivery of Renewable Energy projects to assist the Planning Team and to inform the Business Unit Strategy to ensure compliance with Planning and Environmental issues. Keep abreast of changes in ecology/planning/environmental legislation, policy decisions and updates to national, regional and local authority development plans that could impact on the company.
• Assist Project Managers, and the Stakeholder and Advocacy team as required, with the development of materials for consultation with local communities and other relevant stakeholders.
• Work as part of the BnM Ecology Team. Proactively participate in team meetings, contribute to weekly Team updates and status reports, time management reporting, data management, and the recording and reporting of key performance indicators. Liaise with and support other BnM staff, where needed.
• All employees are expected to co-operate fully with all provisions taken by the company for ensuring Health and Safety, and Welfare of co-employees and members of the public using the premises.
• Proactively participate in the Performance Management process to ensure delivery of own, and the wider team's objectives.

What we're looking for

The ideal candidate will possess the following qualification, skills, knowledge, and attributes:

• Third Level Qualification in Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering or equivalent. Post Graduate Qualification in a relevant discipline desirable but not essential. Graduate or Internship experience preferable.
• Knowledge of ecological surveying, report writing, peatland habitats EIAR and AA desirable. Proficient in MS Office, in particular MS Word, MS Excel and MS PowerPoint. Good Knowledge of digital capturing of data using GPS tablets, processing and manipulation of survey data.
• Good knowledge / proficiency in online sharing platforms such as SharePoint, ShareFile, etc. is a distinct advantage. Ability to work effectively and efficiently, both individually and as part of a team. Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Good knowledge of habitat and species identification, specific species surveys desirable but not essential. Good knowledge / proficiency in GIS desirable but not essential. A full clean driving licence is required for the role.