Download Ms Paula Lightfoot - Sheffield City Council job vacancies

SHEFFIELD CITY COUNCIL
JOB DESCRIPTION
Informal Enquiries to Paula Lightfoot 0114 2736951
DIRECTORATE:
SERVICE:
DIVISION/SECTION:
POST TITLE:
PLACE
PARKS AND COUNTRYSIDE
TREES, WOODLANDS AND COUNTRYSIDE
SECTION
CRAYFISH CONSERVATION OFFICER
SUG 6
GRADE:
PART TIME (0.4 FTE)
FIXED TERM: 2 YEARS
RESPONSIBLE TO:
ECOLOGY MANAGER
RESPONSIBLE FOR:
CASUAL EMPLOYEES AND VOLUNTEERS, AND ANY
PERSON WHO FROM TIME TO TIME MAY BE
ALLOCATED TO THE POSTHOLDER’S RESPONSIBILITY.
PURPOSE OF THE
JOB:
TO DELIVER A PROJECT TO PROTECT
SHEFFIELD’S CRAYFISH POPULATIONS THROUGH
HABITAT CONSERVATION, MONITORING AND
PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT.
SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
With the guidance and support of the Ecology Manager and Biodiversity Officer and
within the defined area of responsibility of the post:
1. In conjunction with project partners, including the Environment Agency, Sheffield
Wildlife Trust and local crayfish experts, carry out surveys to monitor the size,
health and distribution of populations of white-clawed crayfish and signal crayfish on
Sheffield’s watercourses.
2. Conduct desk research to collate information from previous surveys and to gather
information on land use and ownership along watercourses.
3. Produce written reports of the survey results, and work with staff at Sheffield’s
Biological Records Centre to ensure that survey data are incorporated into the
Recorder database and GIS files, to be shared with partners at a regional and
national level.
4. Based on survey results and consultation with project partners, devise and
implement a programme of habitat enhancement for white-clawed crayfish on
Sheffield’s watercourses.
5. Conduct desk and field research into land ownership, habitat suitability and biosecurity at potential ark sites. Liaise with partners to identify or create at least one
suitable ark site, coordinate the translocation of healthy crayfish from a donor
population and set up a sustainable system of post-translocation monitoring and
management.
6. Identify potential funding sources, develop bids and secure additional funding to
further develop crayfish conservation work in Sheffield.
7. Support the delivery of the Sheffield Local Biodiversity Action Plan Species Action
Plan for white-clawed crayfish, and report project outputs on BARS.
8. Deliver training, guidance and educational materials on crayfish conservation to
colleagues and volunteers, enabling them to raise awareness of crayfish
conservation, participate in habitat enhancement projects and assist with monitoring
surveys.
9. Promote and raise awareness of crayfish conservation amongst members of the
public, focussing on target groups such as anglers and riparian landowners. This
would include giving talks, attending public events and producing promotional
leaflets and posters.
10. Report the project’s outputs to partners and wider stakeholders by attending
conferences, delivering presentations, and writing press releases and progress
reports.
11. Be responsible to the Ecology Manager (the budget holder) for the day to day coordination, effective use and control of the associated budgets and other allocated
resources related to the post.
12. Ensure that any necessary approvals and consents are obtained, that all legal
requirements (for example the Disability Discrimination Act 1995) and health and
safety requirements are adhered to.
13. Any other related duties and responsibilities as may arise.
Issue date: January 2010
SHEFFIELD CITY COUNCIL
PERSON SPECIFICATION
POST:
Crayfish Officer
MINIMUM ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS
Skills and Knowledge
Must be able to demonstrate:
METHOD OF
ASSESSMENT
Application
Form/Interview
1. Extensive knowledge of crayfish ecology and habitat requirements, and an
awareness of the legislation relating to crayfish conservation in England.
2. Awareness of current theory and practice regarding the identification and
creation of bio-secure ark sites, and the translocation and monitoring of whiteclawed crayfish.
3. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to enthuse
and motivate others.
4. The ability to work efficiently and thoroughly in both a fieldwork and office
environment to meet deadlines.
5. Sound report writing and presentation skills, including the ability to analyse large
quantities of data and present the relevant information clearly and succinctly to
a range of audiences.
6. A good understanding of health and safety at work, particularly in relation to
conducting field work, including the production and use of risk assessments.
7. An understanding of Biodiversity Action Planning and the Biodiversity Action
Reporting System (BARS).
8. Excellent ICT skills in a Windows environment.
9. An appreciation of and commitment to equal opportunities.
Experience / Qualifications / Training
1. The ability to demonstrate extensive knowledge and relevant practical
experience in the area of ecology, with a particular focus on crayfish
conservation.
Application
Form/Interview
or an education to degree level (or equivalent) in ecology or a similar discipline,
plus at least two years’ experience of working with success in the area of
ecology, with a particular focus on crayfish conservation.
2. Experience of planning and carrying out surveys for both white-clawed and
signal crayfish. Possession of a Natural England Crayfish Survey Licence
would be an advantage.
3. Experience of working with volunteers and community groups on ecological
projects.
Work related circumstances (including working conditions)
1. Possession of a full clean driving licence. Travel expenses will be covered.
2. Current First Aid at Work certification, or willingness to obtain this.
3. Reliability, and the willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings and
weekends as required.
4. Willingness to travel within the UK to attend conferences related to the duties of
the post
Application
Form/Interview