About The Lifescape Project
The Lifescape Project is a UK-registered charity working to protect and restore wild landscapes for the benefit of all life on earth. Our multidisciplinary team combines expertise in science, law, economics, technology, and culture to deliver ambitious projects in ecological restoration.
Our ecological work includes:
* Species restoration – such as The Missing Lynx Project, Pine Marten recovery, and White-Tailed Eagle reintroductions.
* Habitat protection – as a Responsible Body for conservation covenants, setting high standards for Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) projects like Nattergal’s High Fen.
The Role
We are looking for a dynamic and experienced Senior Ecologist to lead BNG work and contribute to species reintroductions. You will report to our Lead Ecologist, Dr Deborah Brady, and collaborate closely with Stephanie Smith (Managing Lawyer – Rewilding Law) on BNG issues.
Key Responsibilities
BNG:
In relation to our holding conservation covenants as a responsible body, you will:
* Act as the organisation’s lead BNG ecologist.
* Review baseline assessments, HMMPs, metric calculations, and audit reports.
* Undertake site visits across England to verify ecological data and landowner plans.
* Develop processes, templates, and guidance for landowner ecological risk management.
* Manage the quoting process, enquiries, and registers for covenants.
* Support the legal team on habitat management and covenant compliance.
* Contribute ecological input to the economics team’s nature-based solutions work.
Species Reintroductions:
* Manage HRAs and DRAs for White-Tailed Eagles and lynx, working with external contractors.
* Assess species reintroduction feasibility, impacts, and ecological suitability.
* Contribute to project design, monitoring, and evaluation.
* Lead aspects of restoration work at our 100-acre Birchfield site in Scotland.
* Be involved in line management of junior team members.
Person Specification
Qualifications:
* Relevant degree (e.g. Ecology/Conservation) (essential); MSc/PhD (desirable).
* Qualifying member of CIEEM.
* MoRPH accreditation, FISC Level 4, or equivalent (or willingness to gain).
* Outdoor First Aid (desirable).
Experience:
* 6+ years experience as ecologist, including project and line management (desirable).
BNG:
* Strong botanical survey experience (UKHab, NVC, hedgerow, habitat condition assessments).
* Proven expertise in BNG and associated policy, metrics, and HMMPs.
* Experience in habitat creation/management strategies.
Reintroductions:
* Field and remote monitoring of mammal/bird species.
* Impact assessments (e.g. HRA, ideally DRA).
* Experience with reintroductions, translocations, rewilding, or ecosystem restoration.
* GIS and ecological modelling skills desirable.
Competencies:
* Excellent organisational and communication skills.
* Confident in representing projects externally.
* Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
* Strong research, analytical, and report-writing skills.
* Comfortable with travel and lone working outdoors (UK driving licence essential).
* Commitment to conservation and public-interest advocacy.
Diversity and Inclusion
We are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all our work. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates and encourage individuals to apply even if they do not meet every criterion listed.
Salary and Benefits
* £40,000–42,000 per annum.
* 36 days annual leave (including public holidays).
* Pension, training budget, equipment, and work expenses covered.
* Annual staff retreat, two additional team gatherings, and flexible/remote working arrangements.
* 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme.
How to Apply
Please send your CV and a covering letter (each no longer than two pages) explaining how you meet the person specification and why you are suited to this role to: sarah.hyslop@lifescapeproject.org
Closing date: 9am, Monday 20 October
Start date: As soon as possible