Ecologist & Green Space Officer (Biodiversity & Planning)

Central Bedfordshire Council; Caulcott; Hybrid; GBP 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

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

Hybrid working with onboarding in the Central Bedfordshire offices will apply, and travel across the county may be required. You will review ecological surveys, participate in site visits, and help deliver nature recovery

Qualifications

• Degree in ecology or closely related discipline.
• Knowledge of wildlife legislation and ecology best practice within planning.
• Experience giving technical ecological advice including biodiversity net gain.

Responsibilities

• Review planning applications and ecological surveys.
• Review biodiversity net gain proposals and conditions.
• Negotiate with applicants and consultees with case officers for mitigation.
• Conduct site visits and ecological surveys, monitor BNG and SANG sites.
• Represent the Council at planning appeals as an expert witness when required.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to conserve biodiversity.
• Provide ecological input to the Local Plan and other strategic documents.

Skills

Ecology

Planning advice

Stakeholder engagement

Biodiversity net gain

Field surveys

Technical interpretation

Education

Degree in ecology

CIEEM membership

Job description

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

Hybrid working with onboarding in the Central Bedfordshire offices will apply, and travel across the county may be required. You will review ecological surveys, participate in site visits, and help deliver nature recovery