Ecologist

Lynx Employment Services Ltd; West Midlands; Remote; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Part time

Job summary

A regional employment service is seeking a Planning Ecologist to provide expert consultation on ecological issues related to planning applications. This part-time role offers flexibility with most work done remotely, complemented by occasional site visits. Key responsibilities include advising on protected species and conducting site assessments. Candidates should possess a relevant degree, CIEEM membership, and experience in ecological appraisals.

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent qualification in Ecology.
• Associate or full membership of CIEEM.
• Strong understanding of the UK planning system.
• Experience appraising planning applications.

Responsibilities

• Provide professional consultation responses on planning applications.
• Advise on legally protected species and habitats.
• Support the planning office with technical expertise.
• Undertake site assessments and contribute to reports.

Skills

Strong understanding of UK planning system

Experience with ecological appraisals

IT skills, including GIS

Ability to work independently

Education

Degree in Ecology or equivalent

Membership of CIEEM

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

GIS

Job description

Planning Ecologist (Part-Time)

Contract: 3–6 months
Hours: 7–10 per week (to supplement the existing ecology team)
Rate:

• PAYE: £43.68 – £45.66 per hour

• Umbrella: £50.03 – £61.58 per hour

About the Role

We are seeking a Planning Ecologist to join a multi-disciplinary team within Development Services. The role will focus on providing specialist consultation responses to planning applications on ecology and biodiversity matters. The successful candidate will be supporting two existing ecologists, with flexibility to work from home and occasional site visits as required.

You will be advising planning officers on ecological and biodiversity issues including protected species, biodiversity net gain (BNG), bats, and wider environmental impacts of development.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide professional consultation responses on planning applications.

• Appraise developments against ecological and biodiversity requirements, including BNG.

• Advise on legally protected species and habitats.

• Support the planning office with technical expertise in ecology.

• Undertake site assessments and contribute to reports and recommendations.

• Liaise with statutory bodies, NGOs, developers, and community stakeholders.

• Contribute to local government statutory duties under the NERC Act 2006.

Requirements

• Degree or equivalent qualification in Ecology.

• Associate or full membership of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM).

• Strong understanding of the UK planning system, ecology planning, and biodiversity net gain.

• Experience appraising planning applications with ecological considerations.

• Knowledge of legally protected species and licensing requirements.

• IT skills, including Microsoft Office Suite and GIS.

• Ability to work independently and “hit the ground running.”

Desirable:

• Protected Species Licence(s).

• Local government planning experience.

• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills.

Additional Information

• Most of the work can be done remotely, with site visits arranged depending on caseload.

• Teams interviews – relatively informal.