Contract Ecologist

Penguin Recruitment Ltd; Taunton; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company is seeking a skilled Contract Ecologist to provide expert advice and support to a respected planning team. This home-based role offers the possibility of full-time hours and comes with the chance to make an impactful contribution to an area celebrated for its biodiversity.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Opportunity to contribute to environmental outcomes

Competitive contract terms

Supportive working environment

Qualifications

• Degree in Ecology or a related discipline required.
• Experience with Biodiversity Net Gain assessments is advantageous.
• Strong background in local authority planning is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert ecological advice on planning applications.
• Review ecological reports like PEAs and EcIAs.
• Ensure compliance with legislation.

Skills

Understanding of UK wildlife legislation

Ecological expertise

Communication skills

Education

Degree in Ecology or Environmental Science

Tools

GIS tools

Ecological mapping tools

Job description

Contract Ecologist

Somerset

We are seeking a skilled and experienced Contract Ecologist to provide expert ecological advice and support to an established planning team. This is a home-based role with the option to work from the offices if preferred. The position is offered on a 3-month contract basis, with the potential for extension, and up to full-time hours (37 hours per week).

This is an excellent opportunity for a professional with a strong background in ecology or planning to make a meaningful impact in a region renowned for its diverse habitats, protected species, and unique landscape character!

Responsibilities

As a Contract Ecologist, your key responsibilities will include:

• Providing expert ecological advice on planning applications, pre-application enquiries, and enforcement cases.
• Reviewing ecological reports such as Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEAs), Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIAs), and Habitat Regulations Assessments (HRAs).
• Ensuring compliance with relevant legislation, including the Habitats Regulations, Wildlife and Countryside Act, and Environment Act 2021.

Requirements

• A degree in Ecology, Environmental Science, or a related discipline.
• Proven experience working in or with a local authority planning team is beneficial.
• Strong understanding of UK wildlife legislation and planning policy.
• Practical experience with Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessments.

Desirable:

• Membership of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM) at Associate or Full level.
• Protected species survey licences (e.g., bats, great crested newts).
• Experience with GIS and ecological mapping tools.
• Familiarity with Somerset’s local ecological context and planning framework.

What’s involved?

On a typical day, you will:

• Review and provide feedback on ecological reports submitted with planning applications.
• Collaborate with planning officers and other stakeholders to ensure ecological considerations are addressed in decision-making.
• Assess Biodiversity Net Gain plans and provide recommendations for compliance.
• Develop and advise on mitigation strategies for Nutrient Neutrality.
• Communicate with developers, consultants, and statutory bodies to address ecological concerns.
• Maintain detailed records of your work and contribute to internal reporting processes.

Benefits include;

• Flexible, home-based working arrangements with the option to work from Somerset offices.
• Opportunity to contribute to meaningful environmental outcomes in a region with rich biodiversity.
• Competitive contract terms with potential for extension.
• Collaborative and supportive working environment within a dedicated planning and environment team.

How to Apply

If you are interested in this role then please send your CV across to [e-mail] and call Hannah Parker on 01792 963138.