Assistant Ecologist

Babergh District Council and Mid Suffolk District Council; Ipswich; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

A local council is seeking an Assistant Ecologist to assess biodiversity impacts from planning applications. The role involves reviewing ecological surveys, providing recommendations, and ensuring compliance with ecological and legal requirements. Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field and demonstrate strong analytical and communication skills.

Benefits

Great opportunities for learning and development.

Generous leave entitlement (26 days, increasing to 31 after 5 years).

Competitive Local Government Pension Scheme.

Health Care Options.

Employee Assist Program.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent with continued professional development.
• Awareness of ecological assessments and survey techniques.
• Experience in managing workloads to meet strict deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Promote Biodiversity Net Gain on planning applications.
• Review ecological surveys and identify information gaps.
• Advise on ecological mitigation measures and compliance monitoring.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Report-writing skills

Initiative

Proactivity

Decision-making

Education

Bachelor's Degree in a relevant subject

Tools

GIS systems

Job description

• Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils - Ipswich, Suffolk IP1 2BX
• £30,559 - £35,235 per annum (pro rata for part time)
• Full Time, 37 hours per week
• Permanent

Full time, part time and job share opportunities will be considered.

What we are looking for

We are looking for an Assistant Ecologist to join our Planning Service to help assess the impacts on biodiversity arising from planning applications.

The successful person will share our values , commitment, and motivation to make a difference for our residents, clients, and communities.

About the role

This is an exciting opportunity to join our team who are passionate about protecting, improving and making a real difference to the district's rich environment.

You will take responsibility for:

• promoting the delivery of measurable Biodiversity Net Gain on planning applications
• undertaking detailed reviews of ecological surveys and reports (e.g., Preliminary Ecological Appraisals, Bat Surveys, Great Crested Newt Assessments) submitted with planning applications
• identifying gaps in the ecological information provided and requesting additional surveys, biodiversity enhancements, mitigation strategies, or licenses where necessary
• recommending appropriate ecological mitigation measures, such as wildlife sensitive lighting
• advising on the legal and planning requirements for protected species, habitats, and designated sites
• providing clear, evidence-based recommendations to Planning Officers, Developers, and other stakeholders through formal consultation responses
• collaborating with developers and consultants to ensure ecological opportunities are integrated into development designs
• helping to monitor compliance with agreed conditions and provide ongoing advice for adaptive management and long-term ecological outcomes

A full UK driver license is required.

About you

To be successful in this role we are looking for someone who:

• is educated to Bachelor's Degree level in a relevant subject, or equivalent with evidence of continuing professional development with membership of or working towards qualifying membership of a relevant professional body e.g. CIEEM
• has an awareness of relevant development management processes, ecological assessments and evaluation, habitat and protected and priority species identification and survey techniques; and related office and site-based practices and procedures
• can make informed and independent decisions, is pro-active in their approach and who shows initiative to develop new ideas
• can manage workload effectively to meet strict deadlines
• is computer literate with experience in GIS systems and using databases
• has effective analytical, communication, and report-writing skills

About us

Working together across our Councils and with our partners in the public, private and voluntary sectors, we provide excellent services to our 190,000 residents across Babergh and Mid Suffolk.

We are proud of the role we play in creating the environment, economy, and communities for our districts. We believe that the heart of Suffolk is an incredibly special place to live and work. With picturesque market towns, 60 conservation areas and with two National Landscapes within our districts, it is little wonder that we are consistently within the top 50 places to live in the UK.

Benefits of working for us

• Great opportunities for learning and development.
• Generous leave entitlement (equivalent to 26 days a year, increasing to 31 days after 5 years' service, plus bank holidays).
• Competitive Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Wellbeing Support Program
• Employee Assist Program
• Health Care Options

For more information, please visit our Employee Benefits page (suffolkjobsdirect,org) .

Our ways of working

Work is what we do, not where we go!

We are committed to working in a more Hybrid way, with a mix of office, home, and remote based working (Business needs permitting). This has worked well for us and is something we will be continuing with.

We are committed to supporting equality and diversity, Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils provide opportunity and ambition for all, supporting and enabling our people to deliver the best possible service for our residents.

For more information

Please read the Job Description and Person Specification (pdf) before applying for this job opportunity.

If you wish to have an informal discussion or to find out more about this important and exciting role, please contact David Clarke by calling 07799 515774.

Closing date: 5pm, 17 June 2025

When applying, please ensure:

• that you complete the application form as fully as possible with your employment and educational history as shortlisting will be based upon the application form and supporting statement only.
• your statement indicates how you meet each of the criteria in the Person Profile' section of the Job Description/Person Specification (JDPS).

This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts.