Do you have a passion for nature and the environment? Do you want to make a real difference and secure significant environmental gains in the present and the future? Do you enjoy working in a team? Can you see yourself advising communities and customers to maximize gains for the Natural Environment?

If this appeals to you, a career at Natural England offers rewarding opportunities to secure environmental improvements and play your part in creating a better future for people and nature.

The priority work Natural England is delivering includes:

• Establishing a Nature Recovery Network to help wildlife thrive
• Monitoring environmental changes to identify and help reduce the effects of climate change
• Working with farmers and landowners to develop greener food production methods
• Advising on plans for new developments to maximize gains for nature
• Providing ways for people to better connect with nature, including green social prescribing

We are the Government’s Adviser for the natural environment, playing a vital role in delivering the Government’s 25 Year Environment Plan, an ambitious vision which brings new opportunities to protect and enhance and to achieve real outcomes for the environment.

Find out more about the work of Natural England at www.gov.uk/government/organisations/natural-england

Job Description

You will be based in the Science Directorate, which is a team of specialists who support the organization in their ambitions to be evidence-led and driven by science.

We lead on the development and application of natural, economic, and social science and evidence to underpin and enable the achievement of environmental outcomes both within Natural England and externally.

We are looking for an enthusiastic marine mammal specialist to join the marine team in Natural England and to work alongside our other marine specialists to deliver advice across the organization.

This role will be focused on providing marine mammal specific advice into Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs). This is an exciting opportunity to make a strong contribution to Natural England’s engagement with some of the most important development proposals in the country. NSIPs, are major planning schemes that present both challenges and significant opportunities for the natural environment. They cover a wide range of proposals, from wind farms and solar energy to water resources, ports, airports and major new road and rail schemes. Working with colleagues in both your team and across the organization, you will help ensure that the natural environment is fully considered through the planning process, seeking to maximize gains for nature from these nationally significant projects. Our aim is to ensure that all development is truly sustainable, not only protecting what we have but also contributing to nature recovery.

Key Tasks and Accountabilities

This role will focus on taking commissions from across the organization for specialist advice, ensuring the needs of marine mammals are fully considered and that evidence is quality assured. This will include planning casework/NSIPs and protected site work.

Work across the marine team which the post holder may also contribute to includes:

• Build, analyze and apply the evidence base to inform advice, identifying any risks associated with the evidence, including identifying emerging issues and opportunities.
• Engage and contribute to the team’s work around the species recovery agenda.
• Prioritize monitoring and research for marine mammals; secure funding, design and manage projects (both internally and with partners/contractors) and follow procurement procedures.
• Build marine mammal capability within the organization and team, including playing a role in internal networks.
• Represent Natural England as an expert and build relationships with key experts, stakeholders, and academic institutions.

The ideal candidate will be qualified to at least BSc level in a biological discipline, or can demonstrate equivalent experience. Post graduate qualification is desirable but not essential. Learn more about this opportunity and how to apply.