Lead County Ecologist - Biodiversity and Planning Advisor

West Sussex County Council; Chichester; Hybrid; GBP 41,000 - 49,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Local government pension scheme

27 days holiday (plus buy extra)

Flexible working options

Training and mentoring

Staff discounts

Employee Assistance Programme

Job summary

West Sussex County Council seeks an experienced County Ecologist to lead ecological advice, support planning decisions, and help deliver nature recovery across the county. You will work across planning, infrastructure and corporate projects, guiding policy and practical solutions.

You will represent the council, collaborate with partners, and mentor staff, travelling across the county to deliver robust, evidence-based ecological services in a hybrid working environment.

Qualifications

• Extensive ecological knowledge with the ability to apply sound professional judgement to complex issues.
• Confident communicator able to work with colleagues, developers, consultants, communities and partner organisations to deliver practical solutions and positive environmental outcomes.
• Experience in biodiversity conservation, Biodiversity Net Gain and nature recovery.
• Ability to think strategically and make informed decisions in relation to planning and development, biodiversity conservation and nature recovery.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills to explain complex ecological issues to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
• Ability to organise and prioritise workload, manage competing demands and meet statutory deadlines, while maintaining high professional standards.

Responsibilities

• Provide professional leadership and specialist ecological advice across planning, infrastructure and corporate projects.
• Support the determination of planning applications and delivery of infrastructure.
• Contribute to Local Nature Recovery Strategy, Biodiversity Net Gain and statutory biodiversity duties.
• Develop policies, projects and initiatives for West Sussex's natural environment.
• Represent the County Council in meetings, build partnerships, and mentor staff as appropriate.

Skills

Ecology expertise

Planning & biodiversity

Communication skills

Strategic thinking

Mentoring & guidance

Professional integrity

Education

Degree in ecology or related field

Tools

GIS software

Job description

West Sussex County Council seeks an experienced County Ecologist to lead ecological advice, support planning decisions, and help deliver nature recovery across the county. You will work across planning, infrastructure and corporate projects, guiding policy and practical solutions.

You will represent the council, collaborate with partners, and mentor staff, travelling across the county to deliver robust, evidence-based ecological services in a hybrid working environment.