Ecologist

Charnwood Borough Council; Burton on the Wolds; On-site; GBP 31,000 - 43,000; Full time

Job summary

A local council in the East Midlands is looking for a skilled Senior Ecologist to provide expert ecological advice and support biodiversity recovery. Key responsibilities include ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and collaborating with stakeholders. Ideal candidates will have a relevant degree and significant ecology experience. This full-time role offers a salary range of £31,537 to £42,839, along with generous benefits such as agile working opportunities and professional development support.

Benefits

Generous annual leave

Agile working opportunities

Professional development support

Access to Local Government Pension Scheme

Inclusive workplace culture

Free parking

Qualifications

• Significant experience in ecology, ideally within the planning system.
• Practical understanding of ecological protection and enhancement.

Responsibilities

• Providing expert ecological advice throughout the planning process.
• Ensuring compliance with the Environment Act 2021.
• Supporting the development of Biodiversity Strategy.

Skills

Ecological advice

Stakeholder collaboration

Biodiversity enhancement

Education

Degree or diploma in ecology or environmental discipline

Job description

Are you passionate about biodiversity and ready to shape the future of ecological planning? We’re looking for a skilled and driven Senior Ecologist to join our growing Natural and Built Environment Team. This is your chance to play a key role in delivering nature recovery across a diverse and vibrant borough.

Responsibilities

• Providing expert ecological advice throughout the planning process - from pre‑application to condition discharge and monitoring biodiversity net gain.
• Ensuring the Council meets its duties under the Environment Act 2021.
• Collaborating with a wide range of stakeholders – planners, developers, agents, consultants, environmental groups, and councillors.
• Supporting the development of our Biodiversity Strategy and Supplementary Planning Document.

Qualifications

• A degree or diploma in a relevant ecological or environmental discipline.
• Significant experience in ecology, ideally within the planning system.
• A practical understanding of ecological protection and enhancement.

Picture this: an ambitious and dynamic organisation, focused on supporting local communities, looking after the environment and creating a thriving economy. Welcome to Charnwood Borough Council! We’re not just any council – we take pride in our work and our borough, deliver outstanding customer service and work together with pace and positivity.

At Charnwood, we’re proud to be an ambitious, forward‑thinking organisation committed to supporting communities, protecting our environment, and driving sustainable growth. Our borough blends vibrant towns with rich heritage and stunning landscapes. Charnwood is a thriving borough in the heart of the East Midlands, home to 184,000 residents and a rich mix of market towns and conservation villages. With over 2,500 planning applications processed annually, our Development Management team plays a vital role in shaping the borough’s future – balancing growth with environmental stewardship.

At Charnwood, we believe in the strength of a diverse and inclusive workforce and recognise and celebrate people’s individual strengths and talents. Our commitment to diversity makes our services better, more inclusive, and more effective. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and a Gold Award holder under the Armed Forces Covenant. Our staff are actively involved in shaping our workplace through forums and working groups focused on wellbeing and equality.

Help us support the biodiversity of Charnwood’s natural environment. Join us in shaping the future of Charnwood – if you share our values and have the skills we need, apply without delay!

Contract: Permanent. Hours: Full‑time, 37 hours per week. Salary: £31,537 to £42,839 per annum. This is a career‑graded post and progression through the grades is dependent on criteria as outlined in the Job Profile.

Benefits

• Generous annual leave of between 35.5 and 40.5 days (depending upon length of service), inclusive of bank holidays
• Agile working opportunities
• Professional development support
• Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme
• Most services are closed over Christmas
• A welcoming, inclusive, and diverse workplace culture
• Access to free parking