Lost Peatlands Ecologist

We are looking for a motivated and enthusiastic Ecologist to join our Countryside & Wildlife Team and help deliver the Lost Peatlands Connections Project. Funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, this ambitious partnership brings together Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, Natural Resources Wales, Coed Lleol, the Woodland Trust, the Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales and Vattenfall. Building on the success of the Lost Peatlands of South Wales project, it will restore upland habitats across part of the South Wales Valleys, celebrate the area’s rich heritage and culture, and help more people enjoy and connect with this landscape.

This is an opportunity to make a tangible difference for nature and communities across the South Wales Valleys. You will collaborate with a wide range of partners and stakeholders, develop valuable experience in practical habitat conservation, and be supported by a knowledgeable and passionate team. If you have strong ecological skills and want to contribute to nature recovery in South Wales, we would be delighted to hear from you.

As the Lost Peatlands Project Ecologist, you will lead the delivery of habitat management works, ecological and hydrological surveys, and project monitoring. You will also create opportunities for volunteers and local communities to engage with nature. The role offers a rewarding chance to contribute directly to peatland and upland habitat restoration at a time when landscape-scale action is urgently needed to address the nature and climate emergencies.

Your daily routine will include tasks such as

• Ecological surveying/monitoring
• Hydrological monitoring
• Ecological Clerk of Works and supervision of contractors delivering practical habitat restoration works.
• Community and volunteer engagement and events

About you:

Do you have

• Experience in upland habitat management, preferably peatlands.
• Suitable degree in an ecology related subject.
• Ability to work as a small team in remote upland locations.
• Good interpersonal skills.

About us

We believe in rewarding and recognising our colleagues’ efforts and achievements. We also believe that there’s life at work and life outside of work. We want everyone to be healthy and happy and have the financial resources and support they need.

Choose to work for us and you’ll be rewarded with a range of attractive benefits and support to help you live your best life.

• Hybrid working (in some roles) and flexible working schemes to improve your work life balance
• Benefit from a competitive employee package with a remarkable 15.3% employer pension contribution
• Enjoy a holiday entitlement of 25 days, increasing to 32 days after 5 years’ service (not forgetting the additional 8 bank holidays too)
• Access discounted gym membership with Celtic Leisure
• Utilise the cycle to work scheme with up to 40% off bikes and cycling equipment
• Purchase a new car through Tusker salary sacrifice scheme
• Enjoy exclusive discounts at local and national retailers with the Smart Spend app through our staff wellbeing group.

If you would like to start a rewarding career with a company that values and invests in its employees and you have the necessary experience and qualifications, this could be your dream job and we would love to hear from you.

For an informal discussion, please visit Jobs - NPT Council

Neath Port Talbot Council is totally committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Our schools/employees are equally committed to ensuring the safety and protection of all children and young people/vulnerable adults and will take action to safeguard their wellbeing.

The recruitment process for this post will be underpinned by rigorous safer recruitment assessment to ensure that children and young people are protected.

Welsh Language Requirements

Welsh Language skills are not required.

Additional Information

Applications may be submitted in Welsh, applications submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English.

We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates who have a disability and armed forces veterans. In support of employees of Tata Steel who are at risk of redundancy, or have been made redundant in 2024, Neath Port Talbot Council is offering a guaranteed interview for jobs across the Council. Please note that applicants must meet all the essential criteria, as shown in the person specification, to qualify for a guaranteed interview. If you are or going to be affected by the job losses at Tata Steel then we would welcome an application from you. Just make it known on your application form that you are currently at risk of redundancy or you have been made redundant.