The Living England project is a long-term monitoring project mapping England’s diverse habitat extent and distribution at a national scale, using earth observation data and AI/ML techniques. The team provide impactful natural capital evidence feeding into key policy areas such as the EIP/25YEP D1 indicators, Biodiversity Net Gain and the Landscape recovery scheme.

Underpinning these maps, is a targeted national field survey to collect data to inform the team’s analytical methods and ensure evidence is robust and representative. The team are in an exciting new phase developing innovative methods for habitat change detection at scale, requiring further data collection and analysis, and ecological understanding of habitat transitions, timescales and feasibility to support the development of new approaches.

Key Tasks/Principal Accountabilities

We are looking for an ecologist with knowledge of monitoring habitats in the field and understanding of how habitats change through time. This includes experience of field survey planning, project management, good botanical survey skills in a range of habitats and experience using a range of digital data capture tools and a willingness to use new technology. This role contributes to the capacity and expertise within the field team and includes developing new ecological frameworks with the technical team, to support change detection assessments and ensure data generated by the team continues to be underpinned by robust ecological principles.

Due to the nature of this role, following interview panel assessment suitable candidates may need to undertake a brief, online field identification test. Suitable candidates will be contacted separately regarding this assessment.

• Provide ecological input towards the development of habitat change frameworks for successional/directional changes between habitats over time.
• Contribute towards the development and improvement of survey methodology and explore opportunities for improvements, enhancements and/or innovations in the field collection process.
• Provide ecological advice to guide the habitat classifications used for Living England and respond to habitat classification queries from both internal and external sources.
• Provide ecological input working under the direction of Senior Officer and Data Scientists to develop Living England field protocols and guidance.
• Provide and/or support training (e.g., courses, webinars, in field coaching etc.) and mentoring opportunities for other staff to develop and build upon their existing ecology skills and knowledge of land management practices.
• Undertake site surveys, record findings and analyse the condition of a variety of landscapes, species and habitats. Support project/field survey planning and co-ordination.
• Resolve problems that involve detailed investigation, analysis, and the exercise of judgement in making recommendations or determining appropriate action. For example, liaising with stakeholders and contractors to promote use of the data and data collection.
• Lead or coordinate surveys/project progress and share findings to relevant audiences via webinars, articles, team and project meetings as necessary.
• Collate existing habitat data records from Natural England internally and external partner organisations to inform likely locations of habitat change and update Living England ground truth data catalogue.

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

• A degree in Botany, Ecology, Environmental Science and/or Conservation or an equivalent qualification and relevant work experience.
• Botanical Field Skills Identification Certificate (FISC) at Level 4 (good) or above (or equivalent expertise).
• A broad understanding across the breadth of field ecology skills (including NVC) with strong expertise on UK priority habitats and species.
• Knowledge of UK habitat classifications, seasonal and successional habitat shifts, management and recovery activities.
• Knowledge of management practices to maintain or enhance a range of ecosystems, habitats, species, and geodiversity.
• Experience in ecological field surveys and their planning and project management.
• Experience of GIS, Field data collection apps and interpretation skills.
• Data management skills, including attention to details and understanding of Quality Assurance process.
• Ability to drive – a full UK driving licence.

Benefits

At Natural England, we support a healthy work-life balance by offering full-time, part-time, and flexible working arrangements.

We provide excellent opportunities for career progression, training, and development tailored to your role. This includes ten days annually for personal learning and development, plus three additional days for volunteering.

You’ll receive a generous leave allowance of 25 days per year (pro rata), increasing by one day for each year of service up to 30 days (pro-rata), access to the Civil Service Pension scheme with a 28.97% employer contribution, and a range of benefits such as shopping discounts and a cycle-to-work scheme. Staff can also join the Civil Service Sport club for discounts on sports, leisure activities, and social events.

We are committed to fairness, equality, and inclusivity. Our employee-led diversity networks help foster a welcoming environment where everyone feels valued and supported.

Locations

Natural England has adopted hybrid working – which means our staff work from a flexible range of locations, encompassing home, offices (ours and our partners) and relevant sites. All new staff will be formally linked to one of our 25 offices across England, and the expectation is that all new staff will be able to access their local office to be part of the community of staff in their geographical area. Staff are expected to attend their associated office for 20% of their contractual hours.

Staff members are required to carry out all their duties working in this way and cannot do so from an overseas location at any time. Travel expenses will be paid if work-related travel is required but does not apply to travel between home and your associated office.

National team roles can be linked with any Natural England office while Area Team roles will be linked with an office in the relevant geographic area.

View a map of our office locations here: online map of Natural England office locations

Pay

It is Natural England policy to employ at the entry point of the salary range.

You will become an active member of the relevant local leadership community, the group of senior Natural England staff in each of the localities across England who we ask to provide support and co-ordination for the local group of staff.

How To Apply

We welcome and encourage applications from all communities. Natural England is accredited to the Disability Confident Scheme, which denotes organisations which have a positive attitude