Ecology Officer

Huntingdonshire District Council; Huntingdon; Hybrid; GBP 32,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Flexitime

Job summary

Huntingdonshire District Council is seeking an Ecology Officer to advise on ecological issues in planning and development projects across the district. You will work with planning colleagues, developers and external stakeholders to protect biodiversity and deliver environmental priorities.

The role supports biodiversity enhancement, habitat assessments and policy development, contributing to strategic environmental initiatives and the council's environmental ambitions.

Qualifications

• Degree in ecology, biology, landscape or related discipline with membership or progress toward a professional body.
• Experience in ecology and biodiversity and understanding of planning system and environmental legislation.

Responsibilities

• Provide specialist ecological advice across planning and environmental matters to balance growth with protection.
• Assess planning applications and contribute to policy development and ecological monitoring.
• Support Biodiversity Net Gain, Local Nature Recovery and Ecological Emergency responses.

Skills

Ecology

Biodiversity

Planning knowledge

Communication

Education

Ecology or related degree

Tools

GIS

Job description

Huntingdonshire District Council (HDC) is passionate about providing high-quality services to our communities, residents and businesses. This means we must employ and retain the most talented and dedicated people.

Situated within the heart of the Cambridge-Peterborough Growth Area, Huntingdonshire is a beautiful district that boasts thriving market towns and many attractive villages, each with its own identity. We are an innovative and forward-thinking local authority whose residents are at the heart of our decision-making.

At HDC we want to employ staff who embody our icare values (Inspiring, Collaborative, Accountable, Respectful, Enterprising), all of which support our ultimate purpose of putting our customers first.

As local government continues to evolve, Huntingdonshire District Council is preparing for an exciting period of change through Local Government Reorganisation. While organisational structures may change in the coming years, our commitment to delivering excellent services for our communities remains unchanged.

Joining HDC now gives you a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact today whilst helping to shape the future of local government across our area. We are looking for people who are motivated by public service, embrace innovation, and want to play a part in building the organisation of tomorrow.

Job details

Help us create a greener future for Huntingdonshire! At Huntingdonshire District Council, we're committed to protecting and enhancing the natural environment while supporting sustainable growth across our district. We are looking for an enthusiastic and knowledgeable Ecology Officer to join our Development Management team and play a key role in delivering our environmental ambitions.

This is an excellent opportunity for an ecology professional who wants to influence planning decisions, support biodiversity enhancement and contribute to meaningful environmental projects that will leave a lasting legacy for local communities and wildlife.

About The Role

As Ecology Officer, you will provide specialist ecological advice across a wide range of planning and environmental matters, helping to ensure that development proposals appropriately consider biodiversity, nature conservation and ecological impacts. Working closely with planning colleagues, developers, consultants, elected members and external stakeholders, you will support decision-making that balances sustainable growth with environmental protection.

You will assess planning applications and development proposals, provide expert advice on ecological issues, contribute to policy development and support the delivery of key environmental priorities, including Biodiversity Net Gain, Local Nature Recovery initiatives and the Council's response to the Ecological Emergency. You'll also assist with Habitat Regulations Assessments, provide specialist input to planning appeals and enforcement matters, and help ensure the Council meets its obligations under environmental legislation.

This is a varied and rewarding role that offers the opportunity to work on everything from major development schemes to strategic environmental initiatives, making a genuine contribution to the protection and enhancement of biodiversity across Huntingdonshire.

About You

We're looking for someone with a degree in ecology, biology, landscape or a related discipline, together with membership of, or a commitment to working towards membership of, a relevant professional body. You will have experience in ecology and biodiversity, alongside a good understanding of the planning system, sustainable development and environmental legislation.

You will be confident interpreting ecological information and providing clear, practical advice to a wide range of audiences. Whether reviewing environmental reports, contributing to policy development or presenting recommendations to senior officers and members, you'll combine sound technical knowledge with excellent communication skills and professional judgement.

You will be organised, proactive and solution-focused, with the ability to manage competing priorities and work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative team. Most importantly, you'll be passionate about biodiversity, committed to delivering positive environmental outcomes and excited by the opportunity to influence how nature is protected and enhanced across the district.

Join us and help shape a more sustainable future for Huntingdonshire, delivering environmental improvements that will benefit people, places and wildlife for generations to come.

An offer of employment is conditional upon having the right to work in the UK. HDC does not hold a Sponsorship Licence and is unable to provide a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) or take over sponsorship for any role.

Apply

The closing date is 9am 9 November 2026.

For many of our roles, our hybrid work model enables employees to work remotely while allowing for in-office collaboration opportunities across the district, with an expectation of being in the office at least two days a week. However, please note that some positions may require a more consistent presence in the office due to the nature of the work.

Should you have any additional questions regarding submitting an application, please contact the Recruitment Team at [e-mail].

Please note that the official closing date is as above, and will be the correct date. Some third-party websites may have different dates. Please refer to the HDC website for the official closing date to ensure you do not miss out on applying.

Working for the council

As an employer who values diversity of thought, we seek to employ candidates from a range of backgrounds in order to make our organisation more innovative. We are seeking candidates who are looking for their next career opportunity and are supportive employers, enabling our staff to work in an environment that produces high standards of work in an employee-led environment.

Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our recruitment and along with our values we are committed to creating an inclusive working environment, where diversity is valued and there is equality of opportunity. We therefore welcome applications from all sections of the community and we offer a range of benefits, including flexitime, to encourage a work-life balance.