Ecology Officer

Milton-Keynes-Council; Milton Keynes; Hybrid; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Great holiday benefits

Excellent pension—Local Government

Family friendly policies

Health benefits program

Salary sacrifice car scheme

Job summary

Milton Keynes City Council is recruiting an Ecology Officer to join the Environment and Waste team. You will provide expert ecological advice on planning applications and help shape development to protect habitats and species.

This is a fixed-term position for 2 years, with the option for home working following an assessment. A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle are required.

Qualifications

• Educated to degree level in a natural or environmental science.
• Substantial experience of ecological planning or consultancy.
• Strong knowledge of legislation and policy relating to habitats and species.
• Can complete and interpret biodiversity net gain assessments using a Defra‑based metric.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert ecological advice on planning applications at each stage of the process.
• Assess the impact of major developments and recommend practical solutions that protect biodiversity.
• Advise specifically on minerals, waste, infrastructure and school development proposals.
• Review biodiversity net gain assessments and work with planning and legal colleagues when needed.
• Support colleagues, partners and the public with clear guidance and help resolve complex enquiries.
• Work with local partners, including the Natural Environment Partnership and The Parks Trust, to support nature recovery strategies.

Skills

Ecology knowledge

Stakeholder engagement

Policy & legislation

Education

Degree in natural/environmental science

Job description

The following content displays a map of the jobs location - Civic Offices, 1 Saxon Gate East, Central Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire

Civic Offices, 1 Saxon Gate East, Central Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire

Closing Date:

27/09/2026

Job Category:

Service Area:

Environment & Property- Director Environment and Property

Package Description

In addition to your salary, we offer a range of benefits including:

• Great holiday benefits - most roles include 28days annual leave every year on top of public (bank) holidays, increasing to 32days after five years.In addition, there is a holiday purchase scheme allowing staff to purchase up to 5 additional days of leave each year.
• Excellent pension - everyone who works for us can join the national Local Government Pension Scheme, widely regarded as one of the best available.
• A full range of family friendly policies including enhanced maternity, adoption and paternity support.
• Access to an award-winning employee benefits programme that includes a health cash plan, a low-cost bike purchase scheme as well as high street discounts and money off entertainment and travel.
• Salary sacrifice car scheme - eligible employees can lease an electric or low-emission vehicle at a reduced cost through salary sacrifice, subject to National Minimum Wage and other eligibility requirements.
• Blue Light Card - employees working within social care can qualify for an additional range of discounts from national retailers and local businesses.

Roles are either ‘site based’ or ‘home based’.

Site based roles are mainly based at the workplace, with the option to work from home for up to two days a week, depending on service needs.

Home based roles are mainly based at home, with the expectation of attending the workplace up to one day a week.

The working arrangement for each role is set by the manager, based on service requirements.

Job Introduction

We’re recruiting an Ecology Officer to join our Environment and Waste team. You’ll play an important part in helping us protect and enhance the natural environment across Milton Keynes. Our team works closely with colleagues across planning, development and environmental services, contributing to how our city grows while safeguarding habitats and species.

At Milton Keynes City Council, we act as one council and stay focused on making a difference for our communities. We’re dedicated, respectful and collaborative, and we work hard to create cleaner, safer and healthier places for everyone.

This rewarding role is ideal for someone with strong ecological knowledge who wants to shape development, influence environmental outcomes and support our long‑term plans for nature recovery.

This is a fixed term position - 2 years

This role may be suitable for home working, following an assessment. Home‑based roles require a minimum of one day per week working from the office or site

Interviews for this role will be held on 5th October 2026

At Milton Keynes City Council, we aim to make a difference every day. We’re dedicated, respectful and collaborative. We act as one council, and we work hard to create cleaner, safer and healthier communities while tackling inequalities and supporting people to thrive.

We take pride in our supportive work culture and try to go that extra mile when it comes to investing in our colleagues.

• Provide expert ecological advice on planning applications at each stage of the process.
• Assess the impact of major developments and recommend practical solutions that protect biodiversity.
• Advise specifically on minerals, waste, infrastructure and school development proposals.
• Review biodiversity net gain assessments and work with planning and legal colleagues when needed.
• Support colleagues, partners and the public with clear guidance and help resolve complex enquiries.
• Work with local partners, including the Natural Environment Partnership and The Parks Trust, to support nature recovery strategies.

Ideal Candidate

• Is educated to degree level in a natural or environmental science.
• Brings substantial experience of ecological planning or consultancy.
• Has strong knowledge of legislation and policy relating to habitats and species.
• Can complete and interpret biodiversity net gain assessments using a Defra‑based metric.
• Works well with different people, builds positive relationships and handles competing demands.
• Shares our values by being dedicated, respectful and collaborative in everything they do.

Full UK Driving Licence and access to a vehicle

To be successful in this role, you’ll need a full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle. If we offer you the role, we’ll ask you to provide evidence of your driving licence and vehicle insurance, including cover for business use. We’re unable to confirm an appointment until these documents are received.

About The Organisation

Milton Keynes City Council is a large, modern and financially stable employer with around 2,500 people working across our eight areas. Together we provide local residents and businesses with a wide range of important round-the-clock services and aim to make our city a better place to live.

We work hard because of the demands placed on us, like protecting children from harm or preventing homelessness. However, working for the city is always rewarding and everyone has the opportunity to make a real difference.

We’re very proud of our diversity and are committed to having a workforce that reflects the community we serve. Whatever your background, you will be welcome here if you share our values of being dedicated, respectful and collaborative.

We offer great training and support and because of the size and scale of the organisation there are always new opportunities to explore when it’s time for a new role.

If you’d like to know more about how we do things and what matters to us, take a look at our short booklet What makes us Milton Keynes City Council.