Planning Ecologist

Triumph Consultants Ltd; East Devon; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Part time

Job summary

A consulting firm is seeking a Planning Ecologist in East Devon. You will provide ecological support for planning functions, ensuring compliance with legislation and policies. Responsibilities include reviewing reports and advising on ecological enhancements. The ideal candidate will have a relevant degree and strong ecological assessment experience. This is a hybrid role for a temporary position of 5 months.

Benefits

Accrued holiday

Pension contribution

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent experience in ecology.
• Membership of CIEEM or eligibility to obtain it.
• Strong technical skills in ecological assessment.

Responsibilities

• Review ecological reports for planning applications.
• Advise on environmental compliance and mitigation.
• Assess and support Biodiversity Net Gain submissions.

Skills

Ecological assessment

Communication

Environmental legislation knowledge

Biodiversity Net Gain

Education

Degree in relevant subject

Professional membership of CIEEM

Job description

What's involved with this role:

Job Title: Planning Ecologist

Reference: East Devon 5283765

Salary: £25.00 per hour PAYE with accrued holiday and pension contribution

Hours: 37 hours per week Monday-Friday

Role length: 5 months opening assignment

Job type: Hybrid

Location: East Devon

Contract Type: Temporary

The role: You will provide specialist ecological advice to support the Council’s planning and ecology functions. This includes assessing planning applications, reviewing ecological submissions and ensuring proposals meet national legislation, local policy and best practice. You will work closely with the Ecology Team, Planning Officers and developers to secure robust ecological outcomes, including Biodiversity Net Gain and compliance with the Habitat Regulations.

Key Responsibilities

• Review ecological reports submitted with planning applications, including PEAs, EcIAs, protected species surveys and Environmental Statements.
• Advise on mitigation, enhancement and scheme design, ensuring compliance with environmental legislation and planning policy.
• Assess Biodiversity Net Gain submissions, statutory biodiversity metrics, HMMPs and biodiversity gain plans, and guide officers on BNG requirements.
• Support appropriate assessments under the Habitat Regulations and review shadow HRAs.
• Offer pre‑application ecological advice to influence high‑quality, biodiversity‑positive proposals.
• Work with related teams such as Trees, Landscape, Conservation and Planning, helping integrate ecology into wider casework.
• Provide a professional, customer‑focused service across the Council.

Qualifications

• Degree in a relevant subject or equivalent experience.
• Professional membership of CIEEM or eligibility to obtain it.
• Strong technical experience across ecological assessment and protected species.
• Solid understanding of environmental legislation including the Environment Act and Habitat Regulations.
• Practical experience of applying Biodiversity Net Gain within the planning process.
• Confident communicator, able to write clear reports and manage a varied caseload.
• Able to work independently and meet planning deadlines.

Desirable

• Experience with HRAs involving bat‑related habitat sites or nutrient‑affected catchments.
• Experience covering more than one of the core ecological planning duties.

Special Requirements

• Full driving licence and access to a vehicle (reasonable adjustments considered).
• Right to work in the UK.
• Qualification checks, references and a Basic DBS will be required.

Please quote the Job Title & Vacancy Reference No. in your application, or we will be unable to match your CV to the role being applied for.

How to Apply

Submit your CV and cover letter.

If you do not hear from us within three working days, unfortunately your application has not been shortlisted on this occasion. Thank you for your interest in working with us.