Planning Ecologist Technician

Smiley & Co, Ltd.; Brecon; On-site; GBP 31,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading environmental authority located in Brecon is looking for a dedicated individual to support their ecological and conservation efforts. This full-time position includes assisting in the planning policy formulation, delivering expert ecological advice, and ensuring compliance with biodiversity duties. Applicants should possess a degree in ecology or a related field, coupled with strong skills in communication, organization, and legislative understanding. This role offers a commitment to preserving the environment through proactive engagement with stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent in Ecology or related subject.
• Knowledge of natural resource management policies.
• Good understanding of development impacts on the environment.

Responsibilities

• Assist in nature conservation and planning policy development.
• Provide ecological advice on planning applications.
• Monitor implemented biodiversity gains.

Skills

Ecology knowledge

Legislation understanding

Survey methodologies

Habitat management

Communication skills

Good IT skills

Organizational skills

Diplomatic interaction

Education

Degree in Ecology or related subject

Tools

MS Office

Document Management systems

Job description

Location: Brecon

Salary: £31,022 – £33,699 per annum

Vacancy Type: Permanent, Full Time

National Parks were designated in order to protect beautiful areas for the benefit of the nation. They came about as a result of the 1949 National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act, which put a legislative framework in place for the establishment of National Parks in England and Wales.

The Role

To assist the Authoritys work in nature conservation, enhancement of the National Parks wildlife and promotion of its biodiversity. Contribute to the formulation of planning policy and guidance and development management casework to ensure compliance with the Authoritys statutory obligations and biodiversity duties. Work in partnership with officers and Members of the Authority and other stakeholders in achieving this.

• Be a point of contact for ecological matters associated with the planning function of the Authority
• Support the provision of professional specialist and technical advice on planning related ecological and biodiversity matters including nutrient issues
• Assist the Senior Planning Ecologist with the development of advice, policy and guidance, including the drafting of Supplementary Planning Guidance where appropriate
• Provide advice, comment for pre‑application enquiries, planning applications and consented developments that affect landscape features, designated sites and features, and priority habitats and species within the timescales set out by the Development Management process
• Assist on providing advice when seeking Planning Obligations to secure biodiversity enhancements where applicable.
• Assist on developing processes and undertake the on‑going monitoring of sites to ensure the implementation of biodiversity gains and protected species mitigation secured through the planning process
• Assist the Senior Planning Ecologist on providing Appropriate Assessments on behalf of the Competent Authority in relation to potential effects of development on European Designations
• Assist on responding to Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) screening and scoping requests in terms of the EIA Regulations in relation to ecological conservation issues and to assist in providing comment on Environmental Statements submitted to the Authority
• To represent or assist in representing the Authority as required in public meetings, planning appeals, public inquiry, court cases and giving advice when required by Members in Authority committee meetings
• Assist on providing advice, comment and quality control for assessments, method statements and works associated with any Statutory Undertakers overhead or underground transmission or pipeline, in particular works affecting land owned by the BBNPA, landscape features, designated sites and features and priority habitats and species. Assist on providing conservation advice on reinstatement, restoration and any ecological enhancement works (if required) carried out in relation to the work of Statutory Undertakers
• Any other duty, appropriate to the grade and nature of the post, as occasionally required by the Director of Planning and Place or the Chief Executive

Skills And Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent in Ecology or related subject
• Knowledge and understanding of legislation, policy and guidance affecting natural resource management, and development management
• Knowledge and understanding of ecology, survey methodologies, habitat management and restoration
• Good understanding of how the natural environment is affected by development and how those features can be conserved, restored and enhanced; good understanding of where to source the relevant expert advice from
• Good IT skills, including use of MS Office software and Document Management systems
• Ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of organisations and individuals including members of the public, applicants and agents
• Ability to work under pressure
• An ability to demonstrate organisational and interpersonal skills required to support complex work areas and meet deadlines
• Be able to work on own initiative and as part of a team, demonstrating flexibility in the approach to work as required by the service
• Ability to deal diplomatically with the public, National Park Members, staff and other stakeholders
• A valid and full driving licence
• Welsh Language Level 0

To Apply

If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for this reputable organisation, please click apply to be redirected to their website to complete your application.