Ecologist

Northumberland Fire Group; Morpeth; Hybrid; GBP 460,000 - 508,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

26 days annual leave

Local Government Pension Scheme

Flexi scheme

Job summary

Northumberland County Council is seeking an experienced Ecologist to join a team of five ecologists within the Planning Service. You will review planning applications, advise on biodiversity net gain, and contribute to policy development to secure wildlife-friendly outcomes.

You will work with landowners to develop habitat banks and support conservation across housing, industry, and minerals sites in Northumberland.

Qualifications

• Degree in Ecology or related subject; understanding of nature conservation legislation and biodiversity net gain.
• Strong communication skills and ability to influence a range of stakeholders.
• Ability to manage a busy caseload and competing priorities.

Responsibilities

• Review planning applications and provide specialist ecological advice throughout development management and planning processes.
• Advise other council services on ecological matters and work with landowners to develop habitat banks in Northumberland.

Job description

# Ecologist## Job Information**The Role**We are seeking an experienced Ecologist to join our growing team of five ecologists working within the Council's Planning Service.You will provide specialist advice throughout all stages of the development management and strategic planning process. You will review planning applications and assist with policy development, working with colleagues across the Planning Service to secure the best outcomes for wildlife in contexts ranging from housing schemes and industrial development to large minerals sites. You will also provide advice about ecological matters to other services in the Council, and work with landowners to develop and oversee a supply of habitat banks in Northumberland.This is an exciting opportunity to join a friendly and supportive team, working in a large and diverse county with a stunning coastline and extensive uplands rich in important habitats and species. As the Planning Service begins work on a new Local Plan with increased housing targets and ambitious plans for economic growth, you will play a key role in protecting important habitats and species and securing significant opportunities for nature recovery.**Essential requirements:** * You will have a degree in Ecology or a related subject and detailed understanding of nature conservation legislation, the land use planning system and biodiversity net gain.* You will understand how to secure the best outcomes for wildlife through the planning system and will be confident in identifying a range of habitats and species and in assessing their significance.* You will be a good communicator who is able to influence a range of stakeholders and be confident in managing a busy caseload and competing priorities.* A full driving licence is required.Applications will be assessed against the essential criteria in the Person Specification. Please use your supporting information to demonstrate how your skills, knowledge and experience meet these requirements. **For further information about this vacancy, please contact David Feige, Environment and Design Team Manager & County Ecologist on 0777 429 5253 for an informal discussion.**Northumberland County Council’s (NCC) vision is ‘Land of Great Opportunities’, for current and future generations. We believe there is no better place to live and work.For further information about working for NCC, please visit our website here.**Why choose us?**We have some outstanding benefits and perks to offer you, including:* 26 days annual leave plus public/bank holidays, rising to 31 days after 5 years of service (pro rata for part-time employees)* Automatic enrolment into the Local Government Pension Scheme* Flexi scheme (if applicable) – up to 2 days flexible leave available per month (pro rata for part-time employees)Stay connected with us on social media to keep up to date with Northumberland County Council’s latest job opportunities.Facebook: NCC Jobs Group LinkedIn: Northumberland County Council Jobs**Further information** Please note that this is a full time position but family-friendly hours may be available to the right candidate.For guidance on completing your application and for information about our Equality and Diversity principles, please see the attached guidance notes here. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria. If you have a disability and would prefer to apply in a different format, please see the alternative methods below. This information will be treated as confidential and will only be used to check that you meet the essential requirements of the post.**Alternative application format:**British Sign Language: northumberlandcc-cs.signvideo.netFor those with speech difficulties or hearing loss: Text relay service dial 018001 01670 623930Although we advertise on North East Jobs, and other websites, your application process will be directed to our Tribepad system. Please note that all communication regarding your application for this post will be sent to the email address that you have registered on Tribepad, including your invite to interview if you are shortlisted. Please check your emails regularly, including Spam/Junk, after the closing dates for notifications.### Attached documents* Candidate Guide .pdf* 1963 Ecologist.pdfApply+−Leaflet | OpenStreetMap contributors### Ecologist* **Salary** £41,177 - £45,529* **Frequency** Monthly* **Job Reference** ncc/TP/15906/3351/DE* **Contract Type** Permanent* **Closing Date** 18 October, 2026* **Job Category** Planning / Building Control* **Directorate** Place and Regeneration* **Location** County Hall, Morpeth, United Kingdom* **Posted on** 15 September, 2026