Ecology Officer – Bluebell Railway

Uckfieldvolunteer; East Grinstead; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Part time

Job summary

A local railway organisation is seeking a Volunteer Ecology Officer to enhance the ecological management of its historic land. This role involves creating biodiversity plans, managing habitats, and advising on environmental matters. The ideal candidate will have a passion for ecology, field work experience, and strong communication skills. This flexible opportunity is estimated to require around one day of work per week, making it perfect for someone looking to stay active in the field while stepping back from traditional roles.

Qualifications

• Enthusiasm for biodiversity and ecology.
• Experience in field work with flora and fauna.
• Self-motivation and energy to undertake tasks.

Responsibilities

• Create a database of flora and fauna within the railway boundary.
• Develop a strategic plan to encourage biodiversity.
• Advise on ecological matters and habitat management.

Skills

Enthusiasm for animals and plants

Field work experience

Self-motivated

Excellent written communication skills

Teamwork skills

Project management skills

Ability to identify species

Driving licence

Job description

As one of the first preserved heritage lines in the country, we boast one of the finest collections of vintage steamlocomotivesandcarriages, many of which were preserved directly from service on British Railways. Our historic line commenced services in August 1960 and today runs steam trains between Sheffield Park and East Grinstead, with stops at Horsted Keynes and Kingscote.

About this opportunity

The Bluebell Railway wishes to engage a volunteer Ecology Officer to advise the railway on ecological matters. This exciting opportunity is a new role to the railway as we seek to enhance our management of our land for the benefit of future generations.

The railway has 11 miles of track bed, which includes grasslands, woodlands, tunnels, water courses, embankments and cuttings, much of which is out of bounds to the public and thus largely undisturbed, apart from passing trains.

The hours would be flexible but estimated to be around one day a week.

The outputs from the role will be:

• Create a database of flora and fauna within our boundary.
• Create a strategic plan to encourage biodiversity.
• Work on habitat management.
• Advise the railway on matters arising from the flora and fauna.
• Identify and apply for any grants that may apply to encourage environmental and biodiversity initiatives.
• Produce monthly or quarterly reports as required.
• Make the Infrastructure Director lots of tea.

Skills required:

• An enthusiasm and fascination for animals and plants.
• The ability to work in mud and get no thanks for it.
• Experience in undertaking field work.
• Self‑motivated, energy and drive.
• A driving licence.
• Excellent written and presentational communication skills.
• Teamwork and project management skills.
• The capacity to identify different species appropriate to the role.

The ideal Candidate:

• Someone with many years of experience, but wishing to step off the corporate ladder
• Someone with many years’ experience, but wishing to take on a new challenge
• A newly retired ecologist looking to keep their hand in.

For more information

For more information please either come in and see us at Wealden Volunteering, or call us on 01825 760019, or email us at [e-mail]