Planning Ecologist

The Wildlife Trusts; York; On-site; GBP 31,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading nature conservation organization in Yorkshire is seeking a Planning Ecologist to engage with the planning system and promote positive outcomes for wildlife. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in ecology and a commitment to conservation. This role offers full-time or part-time options, with competitive salary ranging from £31,768 to £34,959. Closing date for applications is 17 August 2025.

Qualifications

• Strong commitment to conservation and the natural environment.
• Driving licence and willingness to travel within Yorkshire.

Responsibilities

• Lead on engaging with the planning system to promote nature-rich outcomes.
• Respond to planning applications and liaise with stakeholders.
• Prevent negative impacts on wildlife from development.

Skills

Knowledge of ecology

Collaboration

Influencing skills

Communication

Job description

35 hours per week

Within the range £31,768 - £34,959 per annum

Yorkshire Wildlife Trust is one of the UK’s fastest growing nature conservation organisations and seeks to appoint a Planning Ecologist.

As the Trust seeks to significantly enhance our influence in the planning system, this a rare opportunity for a talented and motivated individual with a background in ecology to take on a role helping to create a truly sustainable Yorkshire.

Using your knowledge and understanding of ecology and the planning system, and in close collaboration with the team’s Planning Specialist, you will lead on engaging and influencing the planning system across Yorkshire to help deliver YWT’s ambition for a nature-rich Yorkshire.

You will seek opportunities to prevent negative impacts and promote positive outcomes for wildlife from development, through responding to planning applications, and liaising with developers, local authorities and other stakeholders.

If you are a collaborative team player, with a strong commitment to conservation and the natural environment, and hold a driving licence and are willing to drive as required within Yorkshire, then this is an incredibly rewarding place to bring your career.

We will consider a permanent full-time or part-time role applications (please state as appropriate in your application).

How To Apply

Click on the link below to the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust careers page:

Please submit an up-to-date CV and supporting statement. When writing your supporting statement, please refer to the person specification within the job description, and ensure you describe your relevant knowledge, skills and experience relevant to the role. Ideally, your CV and supporting statement should be in an editable format, such as Word, so we can anonymise your documents prior to the short-listing process. Please DO NOT include any personal details (name, address etc) on your supporting statement.

Closing date: 17 August 2025, midnight

Interview date: 29 August 2025

Please note that applications received after the closing deadline may not be considered. The Trust regrets that it is unable to give feedback on unsuccessful applications.

We are committed to creating a Movement that recognises and truly values individual differences and identities. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone is able to be themselves and to reach their full potential. We want our people to flourish, just like nature.