Planning Ecologist

Leicestershire County Council; Glenfield; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government council in England is seeking two Planning Ecologists to provide expert advice on ecology and biodiversity matters. This role involves monitoring sites for Biodiversity Net Gain and assisting in the planning process from the early stages through to compliance. Ideal for ecologists early in their careers or those with some experience, the position offers flexible working options to accommodate individual circumstances.

Qualifications

• Experience with ecological field survey work.
• Ability to work as part of a team and meet performance deadlines.
• Experience working with the public sector.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert advice on ecology and biodiversity matters.
• Participate in site monitoring for Biodiversity Net Gain.
• Engage in the planning process from pre-application to discharge of conditions.

Skills

Ability to produce professional work

Expert advice to stakeholders

Knowledge of ecological survey methods

Understanding of Biodiversity Net Gain legislation

Education

Degree in environmental or biological subject

Job description

Would you like to join us in a career‑graded post as an ecologist? Would you like to join our expanding team and take part in the new requirements for statutory Biodiversity Net Gain, including site monitoring for BNG sites? We are seeking two Planning Ecologists to provide expert advice on ecology and biodiversity matters to our LPA partners throughout the counties of Leicestershire and Rutland, in relation to statutory Biodiversity Net Gain and protected species and habitats. As such, the post holder would provide specialist planning advice from pre‑application stage through to discharge of conditions; and will be joining at an exciting time, when we are starting our site monitoring for compliance programme, on sites throughout the counties of Leicestershire and Rutland. The work will also include the link between BNG and new "opportunity areas" identified and mapped in our Local Nature Recovery Strategy. We are also developing our recording processes for the BNG data and newly created, restored and enhanced habitats with our in-house Local Records Centre (LRERC), which is part of our team. We have further team growth planned for 2026. It would be an exciting opportunity for an ecologist either early in their career or with some experience to be part of our expanding Ecology and Biodiversity Team. We can make more of a difference than ever before, both to the quality of our natural environment and to increasing its connectivity throughout the counties of Leicestershire and Rutland.

We are keen to support employees to balance their working life with other commitments. Therefore, wherever possible, we will consider working arrangements that suit an individual's personal circumstances whilst still meeting the needs of the Council. If you would like to discuss the possible flexible working options that might be applicable to this role, please contact the person named below. This may include requests for term‑time working, part‑time hours, compressed hours, flexible start and finish times, home/remote working, etc.

• a degree or equivalent in a relevant environmental or biological subject;
• OR working towards a degree or equivalent in an environmental or biological subject and be able to demonstrate experience in carrying out ecological field survey work.
• an ability to produce professional work relating to the natural environment, working as part of a team and meeting performance deadlines.
• Having experience of working within or with the public sector.
• Being able to offer expert advice to stakeholders or clients in relation to complex ecological or planning ecological matters.
• Knowledge of ecological survey methods and requirements for species and habitats appropriate to the planning system.
• Knowledge and understanding of the principles and application of Biodiversity Net Gain legislation, policy and practice.

You must also have an understanding of, and commitment to, equal opportunities, and the ability to apply this to all situations. In addition, we expect you to share our commitment to our values and will ask you to evidence when you have demonstrated them as part of the interview process.

Disability Confident A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high‑volume, seasonal and high‑peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non‑disabled people. For more details please go to .