Ecologist

Dorset Council UK; Dorchester; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Dorchester is looking for an Ecologist to join their Natural Environment Team. The role involves providing ecological advice for planning applications and projects, contributing to biodiversity initiatives, and working collaboratively with various stakeholders. Candidates should possess a relevant degree and strong communication skills. A driving license is required for site visits.

Qualifications

• Understanding of the current planning system and environmental legislation.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Flexibility to travel for meetings and site visits.

Responsibilities

• Prioritising responses to planning applications.
• Providing ecological advice on Council projects.
• Delivering planning advice and managing multiple projects.

Skills

Good communication skills

Time management

Knowledge of environmental legislation

Education

Relevant degree

Job description

Overview

We are looking for an Ecologist to join our friendly and passionate Natural Environment Team at Dorset Council. With a growing portfolio of planning and project work we are looking for someone who is personable, qualified and can hit the ground running. The Natural Environment Team consists of ecologists and local nature recovery officers – the team is friendly and professional.

What You Will Be Doing

• The role primarily involves prioritising responses to planning applications and providing ecological advice to colleagues on Council’s projects.
• Depending on your experience you will be part of the team of ecologists that deliver sound and timely ecological/technical advice on nature conservation issues and wildlife legislation, including Biodiversity Net Gain, across a range of planning applications and projects that vary in size, type, and complexity.
• You will be expected to provide ecological advice on behalf of Dorset Council to other statutory agencies and non-governmental organisations for a range of project work, working with alongside other Council teams.
• We are looking for an Ecologist at grade 7-8, you will have a wide variety of opportunities including contributing to advice for the emerging Local Plan including developing supplementary planning guidance, helping deliver Biodiversity Net Gain, collaboration on nature recovery networks, engaging with colleagues and partners across the County and South-West England.
• You will need to demonstrate your experience and level of knowledge in your application and at interview.

About You

• You will have a relevant degree, an understanding of the current planning system and environmental legislation.
• You will need to be a good communicator, both written and verbally and be able to work on your own as well as part of a team. A knowledge of Dorset wildlife and habitats would be desirable but not essential.
• The post will involve delivering planning advice and projects simultaneously therefore you should have excellent time management skills and the ability to prioritise with changing parameters and tight deadlines.
• You will need to have a flexible approach to work, traveling to meetings and site visits, working in the office and at home together with working at evening and/or weekend meetings if required.
• It is necessary to have a full driving licence and access to a vehicle.