Ecologist

Derbyshire County Council; Matlock; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Derbyshire County Council is seeking an experienced ecologist to join its Conservation, Heritage and Design Service. The role involves providing ecological advice, particularly in planning contexts, and supporting local biodiversity initiatives. Benefits include a generous leave scheme, hybrid working options, and a commitment to employee development.

Benefits

27 days of annual leave plus additional 5 after 5 years

Flexi time

Guaranteed annual pay increments

Cycle to work scheme

Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme

Discounts at selected leisure centres

Qualifications

• Experienced ecologist with knowledge of planning considerations.
• Good working knowledge of biodiversity legislation.
• Experience in biodiversity net gain assessment.

Responsibilities

• Provide ecological advice to Council’s Planning and Countryside Services.
• Support relation work with partners on ecological matters.
• Contribute to the Local Nature Recovery Strategy.

Skills

Knowledge of ecology

Biodiversity

Ecological considerations in planning

Job description

Derbyshire is a beautiful and diverse county, with a great variety of habitats spread across our landscapes.

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join Derbyshire County Council’s Conservation, Heritage and Design Service. The Service consists of officers with expertise in built heritage conservation, landscape architecture, archaeology, ecology, and urban design. It hosts the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site Coordination Team as well as the Derbyshire Historic Environment Record.

We host the Council’s arboricultural team, lead the council’s work on nature recovery, and are about to publish the Local Nature Recovery Strategy of Derbyshire.

We are looking for an experienced ecologist to join our team and work alongside our existing ecologist to provide ecological advice and guidance within the Council. This will include offering advice and support to the Council’s Planning and Countryside Services and supporting our work with partners. The role requires a good working knowledge of ecology and biodiversity, including legislation, good practice, ecological considerations in planning, and biodiversity net gain assessment and delivery through the planning system.

What we offer you:

• 27 days of annual leave plus 5 additional days after 5 years of continuous service
• Flexi time, allowing up to 2 additional leave days per month
• Guaranteed annual pay increments
• Cycle to work scheme
• Electric/Plug-in hybrid vehicle salary sacrifice scheme
• Discounts at selected county leisure centres

Provisional Interview Date: Week commencing 28th July 2025

Apply now and take the first step towards a fulfilling career with us! By joining Derbyshire County Council, you will have access to a range of rewards and employee benefits, including our generous annual leave scheme, excellent local government pension, and employee discounts. For more details, click here.

We are accepting CVs for this position to make applying easier. Simply click “Apply for this job,” register, and upload your CV.

This role currently offers hybrid working options, subject to service needs. There will be an opportunity to discuss working arrangements at interview.

We welcome applications from individuals who share our values: being Collaborative, Innovative, Empowered, and Accountable. These values reflect who we are, what we stand for as a council, and how we work together to make a positive difference for our employees and residents.

Please read any attached documents before applying.