Benjamin Jackson

Ecologist & Conservation Specialist
York, GB.

About

Highly motivated Ecologist and Conservation Specialist with 15 years of entrepreneurial experience in project management, stakeholder engagement, and strategic planning, now leveraging a formal diploma and extensive field expertise in environmental conservation. Proven ability to conduct detailed ecological surveys, manage habitats, and ensure compliance, contributing to significant biodiversity and environmental protection outcomes. Passionate about applying diverse skill sets to impactful ecological projects and sustainable land management.

Work

HW Martin
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Ecologist

Newcastle, North East England, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Summary

Currently serving as an Ecologist on the EGL 2 project, responsible for comprehensive environmental impact assessment and mitigation in the North East of England.

Highlights

Conducted detailed walk-over ecological surveys across diverse habitats, meticulously documenting observations of general habitat, weather conditions, protected, and invasive species.

Implemented proactive mitigation strategies, including buffer zones and escalations, based on survey findings to prevent environmental harm and ensure project compliance.

Performed critical water sampling and analysis to monitor and assess the project's impact on water courses and surrounding aquatic habitats.

Functioned as an Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW), collaborating closely with contractors to ensure environmental compliance during de-vegetation, temporary roadway construction, and invasive species management.

Arbtech Consulting Limited
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Ecologist (Bat Surveys)

Various, United Kingdom, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Summary

Provided expert bat emergence survey services, delivering critical ecological insights and compliance documentation for various projects.

Highlights

Performed detailed bat emergence surveys on buildings using advanced audio and video equipment to gather precise data on bat presence and activity.

Processed and verified survey results, generating comprehensive reports that informed clients on ecological considerations and regulatory requirements.

Self-employed
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Music Teacher & Studio Owner

Various, United Kingdom, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Summary

Led an independent music education business for 15+ years, providing comprehensive instruction and studio services while managing all operational aspects.

Highlights

Managed all business operations, including budgeting, marketing, client acquisition, and stakeholder management for a successful self-employed venture for over 15 years.

Developed and implemented tailored music curricula for individuals, small groups, and whole classes across all ages and abilities, including students with behavioral and additional needs.

Designed, equipped, and managed a professional teaching studio, facilitating recording sessions for bands and artists with diverse instrumentation and digital tools.

Cultivated strong client relationships and effectively engaged with schools to deliver regular 1:1 music enrichment, consistently meeting educational objectives.

PBA Consulting
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Ecologist (Bat Surveys)

Various, United Kingdom, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Summary

Executed specialized bat emergence surveys for infrastructure projects, delivering crucial data and reports to clients.

Highlights

Conducted comprehensive bat emergence surveys on buildings and infrastructure utilizing specialist audio and video equipment for accurate data collection.

Analyzed collected data to identify bat activity patterns and compiled detailed reports for client submission, informing development decisions and regulatory compliance.

East Sussex County Council and Kent County Council
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Early Help Support Worker

Various, East Sussex, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Summary

Provided essential support and delivered impactful workshops to vulnerable young people, fostering self-empowerment and professional skill development.

Highlights

Delivered engaging sport, art, and cookery workshops and activities for young people at risk, disabled, or marginalized, promoting self-empowerment and skill development.

Provided crucial assistance, signposting, information, and support to young people while upholding stringent safeguarding duties and ensuring their well-being.

Collaborated effectively with partner organizations to deliver holistic support services, enhancing community impact and resource accessibility for young people.

Uth Voice Project
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Project Assistant

Various, United Kingdom, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Summary

Contributed to the successful programming and delivery of an award-winning project, supporting young artists through workshops and mentorship.

Highlights

Programmed and delivered a series of workshops and events for young people, culminating in a successful showcase performance for an award-winning project.

Managed project recruitment and promotion, effectively engaging participants and raising awareness within the community.

Provided mentorship and advice to young people in developing their artistic practice, fostering creative growth and confidence.

Volunteer

RSPB Broadwater, The Woodland Trust, Buttercups Goat Sanctuary
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Conservation Work Party Volunteer

Various, United Kingdom, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Summary

Supported multiple local conservation initiatives, contributing to habitat management, woodland health, and animal welfare.

Highlights

Participated in coppicing and woodland clearance, enhancing forest health and promoting biodiversity.

Conducted livestock checking and invasive species control, ensuring animal welfare and ecological balance.

Contributed to faggot making and other practical conservation tasks, supporting sustainable land management practices.

The National Trust, South East Cornwall Reserves
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Immersive Ranger Volunteer

South East Cornwall, Cornwall, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Summary

Lived and worked on a large coastal reserve, conducting and assisting in diverse surveys and essential maintenance tasks.

Highlights

Conducted and assisted in a variety of ecological surveys, contributing to data collection for wildlife and habitat monitoring.

Performed maintenance of footpaths, steps, fences, and other infrastructure, ensuring visitor safety and site integrity.

Managed wildflower seed collection, harvesting, and processing, supporting native plant propagation and habitat restoration.

Installed and maintained dormice boxes and conducted livestock checking, directly supporting species conservation and land management.

National Trust, Growing with Grace Organic Farm, Ribble Rivers Trust
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Conservation Volunteer

Various, United Kingdom, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Summary

Actively contributed to diverse conservation projects, including habitat restoration, biodiversity enhancement, and program support.

Highlights

Participated in extensive tree planting initiatives, contributing to reforestation efforts and habitat creation across multiple sites.

Conducted wildlife surveys and managed invasive species, directly improving local biodiversity and ecological health.

Assisted in planning and preparing programs for participants, ensuring effective execution of conservation activities and community engagement.

Education

College of Animal Welfare
Various, United Kingdom, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Diploma

Countryside and Environment

University of Westminster
London, United Kingdom, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Certificate

Music Education

Music Examination Board (Inferred)
Various, United Kingdom, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Grade 8

Guitar Performance

University of Sussex
Sussex, United Kingdom, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Bachelor of Arts (Honours)

Professional Musicianship

Grade: 2.1

Hastings College
Hastings, United Kingdom, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Level 2

Performing Engineering Operations

B.I.M.M. (British and Irish Modern Music Institute)
Various, United Kingdom, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Higher Diploma

Modern Music

B.I.M.M. (British and Irish Modern Music Institute)
Various, United Kingdom, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Diploma

Modern Music

Secondary Education (Inferred)
Various, United Kingdom, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

AS Level

English Literature

Grade: C

Secondary Education (Inferred)
Various, United Kingdom, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

GCSE

Science (Double Award)

Grade: C

Secondary Education (Inferred)
Various, United Kingdom, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

GCSE

Mathematics

Grade: C

Secondary Education (Inferred)
Various, United Kingdom, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

GCSE

Information Technology (Quadruple Award)

Grade: C

Secondary Education (Inferred)
Various, United Kingdom, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

GCSE

English

Grade: C

Secondary Education (Inferred)
Various, United Kingdom, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

GCSE

English Literature

Grade: D

Languages

English

Certificates

First Aid with Forestry

Issued By

Certification Body (Inferred)

Chainsaw Maintenance and Crosscutting

Issued By

Certification Body (Inferred)

Off Road Vehicle Operating (4x4)

Issued By

Certification Body (Inferred)

Brushcutters and Strimmers

Issued By

Certification Body (Inferred)

Skills

Conservation & Ecological Fieldwork

Ecological Surveys, Bat Emergence Surveys, Water Sampling, Invasive Species Management, Habitat Restoration, Biodiversity Monitoring, ECoW (Ecological Clerk of Works), Coastal Reserve Management, Wildlife Monitoring, Tree Planting, Dormice Box Installation, Environmental Compliance, Field Data Collection.

Field Operations & Equipment

Chainsaw Operation, Brushcutter Operation, Strimmer Operation, Off-Road Vehicle Operation (4x4), First Aid, Specialist Audio Equipment, Video Equipment, Site Management.

Project Management & Business Acumen

Project Planning, Budget Management, Stakeholder Engagement, Project Evaluation, Monitoring, Strategic Planning, Client Relations, Marketing, Business Development, Operations Management, Program Development.

Data Analysis & Reporting

Detailed Reporting, Data Analysis, Observation Documentation, Technical Report Writing, Environmental Impact Assessment.

Youth & Community Engagement

Youth Mentorship, Workshop Facilitation, Safeguarding, Community Engagement, Education, Curriculum Development, Cross-functional Collaboration.

Interests

Outdoor Activities

Swimming, Surfing, Snorkelling, Bird Watching, Wildlife Surveys.

Citizen Science

Nation Bat Monitoring Programme, British Trust for Ornithology, Seasearch.