Ecologist & Green Space Advisor (Hybrid)

Central Bedfordshire Council; Shefford; Hybrid; GBP 34,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Central Bedfordshire Council is seeking an Ecologist & Green Space Officer to join the Natural Environment team. You will provide ecological advice across planning and wider council activities, supporting biodiversity net gain and SANG management.

You will protect biodiversity, help deliver nature recovery networks, and contribute to the Local Plan while collaborating with partners to conserve the county's natural environment.

Qualifications

• Degree in ecology, nature conservation or closely related discipline.
• Associate membership of or progression towards CIEEM.
• Knowledge of wildlife legislation and planning system applications.
• Experience giving technical ecological advice incl. biodiversity net gain.
• Experience with ecological field surveys and reporting.
• Ability to interpret technical reports, legislation and policy.
• Strong communication with internal and external stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Provide ecological advice to planning applications and internal teams.
• Review ecological surveys, habitats legislation, and HGAs.
• Negotiate mitigation and planning conditions with applicants.
• Undertake site visits and ecological surveys, monitor BNG and SANG sites.
• Support enforcement and represent the council at meetings and hearings.
• Collaborate with Natural England, Environment Agency and partners.
• Contribute ecological input to Local Plan and strategic documents.

Skills

Ecology degree

CIEEM membership

Wildlife legislation knowledge

Technical ecological advice

Ecological field surveys

Interpreting reports and policy

Strong communication with stakeholders

Independent and collaborative work

Education

Degree in ecology or related field

Job description

Central Bedfordshire Council is seeking an Ecologist & Green Space Officer to join the Natural Environment team. You will provide ecological advice across planning and wider council activities, supporting biodiversity net gain and SANG management.

You will protect biodiversity, help deliver nature recovery networks, and contribute to the Local Plan while collaborating with partners to conserve the county's natural environment.