Job Purpose

*** Part time - 18.5 hours per week ***

The daily structure of weekly working hours can be discussed further at interview stage. 

The Canal & River Trust is a charity entrusted with the care of over 2000 miles of canals, rivers, docks and reservoirs in England and Wales. These historic, natural and cultural assets form part of the nation’s strategic and local green infrastructure network, linking urban and rural communities as well as habitats. Our waterways contribute to the health and well-being of local communities and economies, creating attractive and connected places to live, work, volunteer and spend leisure time.  We believe that life is better by water. Every role across the Trust plays it's part in transforming our canals and rivers into spaces where local people want to spend time and feel better, bringing wellbeing benefits to millions.

We currently have an opportunity for an experienced Environment Scientist to join our Yorshire & North East (YNE) regional team, as part of our High Risk Asset Projects taking place over the next 5 - 6 years. 

The Trust is currently offering an opportunity for an experienced ecologist to join our YNE regional team, focused on our High Risk Asset Projects, that include reservoirs, canal embankments, aqueducts and culverts.

The role will involve working with other specialist teams to review projects on high risk assets, ensuring the Trustmanages the waterways safely whilst protecting our natural heritage, adhering to environment legislation and delivering biodiversity net gain.  The role will be both demanding and very rewarding, working in a unique environment with priority habitat and species of conservation concern and public interest.

Location and coverage

The role will be based working from home, with the allocation of a nearby Hub for collaborative working. 

This is a regional role and there will be an expectation that the successful candidate will be able travel to attend meetings or fieldwork throughout the regional waterway network. 

See our network here (https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/enjoy-the-waterways/canal-and-river-network)

Most relevant regional hubs include: Leeds 

Knowledge, Skills/Qualifications & Experience

Key Accountabilities:

• Help implement the Trusts Environmental Management System (EMS) including its environmental appraisal procedures.
• Monitoring and reporting on compliance with regulatory requirement and corporate environmental standards.
• Identify implications of environmental legislation for the Trusts activities and provide practical advice on necessary measures to protect the Trusts interests and the waterway environment.
• Provide support and advice on waste management, contaminated land and water quality management across a range of Trust business activities to mitigate potential adverse environmental impacts and identify and deliver opportunities for appropriate environmental enhancements on our waterways.
• Contribute to the delivery of the dredging programme through prioritisation of projects, production of project booklets and liaison with Project Managers.
• Undertake environmental surveys (water & sediment sampling) implementing consistent standards for data management.
• Work with other colleagues within the environment team and others to respond to environmental issues and incidents.
• Liaise with external regulators and stakeholders (including Environment Agency and local Planning Authorities) in relation to environmental protection and management.
• Deliver training on aspects of environmental protection and management to Trust employees, contractors and volunteers.
• Contribute to marketing & media opportunities to generate positive publicity for environmental management activities carried out by the Trust.
• Work with volunteers on a variety of environmental initiatives.

Skills, Knowledge & Qualifications

• Practical understanding of current environmental legislation, especially UK and European Waste Legislation.
• Proven experience in environmental protection and management, resolving complex issues and devising processes to ensure and maintain legal compliance.
• Broad knowledge of environmental good practice.
• Proven experience in the application of practical knowledge within a business environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. 
• Membership of relevant professional institute (CIWEM, IEMA). 
• Valid driving licence is essential.