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
|Ecologist
Newcastle, North East England, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
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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
|Ecologist (Bat Surveys)
Various, United Kingdom, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
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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
|Music Teacher & Studio Owner
Various, United Kingdom, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
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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
|Ecologist (Bat Surveys)
Various, United Kingdom, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
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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
|Early Help Support Worker
Various, East Sussex, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
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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
|Project Assistant
Various, United Kingdom, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
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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
|Conservation Work Party Volunteer
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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
|Immersive Ranger Volunteer
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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
|Conservation Volunteer
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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
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Diploma
Countryside and Environment
University of Westminster
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Certificate
Music Education
Music Examination Board (Inferred)
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Grade 8
Guitar Performance
University of Sussex
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Bachelor of Arts (Honours)
Professional Musicianship
Grade: 2.1
Hastings College
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Level 2
Performing Engineering Operations
B.I.M.M. (British and Irish Modern Music Institute)
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Higher Diploma
Modern Music
B.I.M.M. (British and Irish Modern Music Institute)
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Diploma
Modern Music
Secondary Education (Inferred)
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AS Level
English Literature
Grade: C
Secondary Education (Inferred)
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GCSE
Science (Double Award)
Grade: C
Secondary Education (Inferred)
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GCSE
Mathematics
Grade: C
Secondary Education (Inferred)
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GCSE
Information Technology (Quadruple Award)
Grade: C
Secondary Education (Inferred)
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GCSE
English
Grade: C
Secondary Education (Inferred)
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GCSE
English Literature
Grade: D
Languages
English
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.