Planning Ecologist - Biodiversity & Net Gain Specialist

Central Bedfordshire Council; England; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Central Bedfordshire Council is seeking an Ecologist to join our Natural Environment team within the Technical Skills Team. You will provide robust ecological advice across planning and council activities, helping protect biodiversity and support sustainable development for growth in the area.

You will work with Planning, Environment, Highways, Parks and Legal Services, collaborating with Natural England and the Environment Agency to promote biodiversity and support policy development.

Qualifications

• Degree in ecology or nature conservation or closely related discipline.
• Associate membership of, or active progression towards, a relevant professional body such as CIEEM.
• Knowledge of wildlife legislation and ecological best practice within planning systems.
• Experience providing technical ecological advice including biodiversity net gain.
• Experience of ecological field survey techniques.
• Ability to interpret technical reports, legislation and policy and present clear, balanced advice.

Responsibilities

• Provide robust, proportionate ecological advice to internal colleagues and external stakeholders, primarily as consultee to planning applications.
• Review planning applications, ecological surveys and interpretation of habitats legislation.
• Review biodiversity net gain proposals and gain conditions.
• Negotiate with applicants and consultees with Development Management to agree mitigation and conditions.
• Undertake site visits and ecological surveys, monitor BNG and Council SANG sites.
• Represent the Council at planning appeals and act as an expert witness when required.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to conserve and enhance biodiversity across the county.
• Contribute ecological input to Local Plan and other strategic documents.

Skills

Wildlife legislation knowledge

Technical ecological advice

Ecological field survey techniques

Interpret technical reports and policy

Strong communication

Independent and collaborative work

Managing multiple work streams

Working under tight deadlines

Education

Degree in ecology or related discipline

Associate membership of professional body (CIEEM)

Job description

Central Bedfordshire Council is seeking an Ecologist to join our Natural Environment team within the Technical Skills Team. You will provide robust ecological advice across planning and council activities, helping protect biodiversity and support sustainable development for growth in the area.

You will work with Planning, Environment, Highways, Parks and Legal Services, collaborating with Natural England and the Environment Agency to promote biodiversity and support policy development.