Principal Ecologist

Maidstone Borough Council; Maidstone; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government council in Maidstone seeks an experienced Principal Ecologist to join their Development Management team. The role focuses on driving biodiversity recovery and implementing Biodiversity Net Gain across the borough. Candidates should possess a degree in ecology or a related field, excellent communication skills, and experience in ecological planning. This is a full-time, permanent position with a 37-hour workweek, supporting flexible working arrangements.

Benefits

Flexible working policies

Good transport links

Support for work-life balance

Qualifications

• Qualified Ecologist with experience in ecological planning and biodiversity management.
• Understanding of local authority planning in relation to biodiversity.
• Excellent communication skills for preparing reports and presentations.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert ecological advice on planning applications.
• Work with planners for positive biodiversity outcomes.
• Lead the implementation of Biodiversity Net Gain across the borough.

Skills

Ecological planning

Biodiversity management

Communication skills

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Degree in ecology, environmental science or related discipline

Postgraduate qualification

Job description

Overview

We\'re looking for an enthusiastic and experienced Principal Ecologist to join our Development Management team and help drive nature recovery across the borough. Maidstone Borough Council declared a Biodiversity and Climate Emergency in 2019 and has since adopted ambitious goals, including a 20% Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) requirement for new development and a refreshed Biodiversity Action Plan (2025).

Responsibilities

• Provide expert ecological advice on planning applications, ensuring developments maximise opportunities for enhancement and mitigation.
• Work closely with planners to secure positive outcomes for biodiversity through planning conditions.
• Support the council\'s duties to protect and enhance biodiversity across all functions, contributing to strategic policy and nature recovery priorities aligned with the emerging Kent & Medway Local Nature Recovery Strategy.
• Lead the implementation and delivery of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) across the borough.

We\'re seeking someone dynamic and collaborative — comfortable negotiating, problem-solving, and working with partners, developers, and internal teams to deliver sustainable habitat networks and improved ecological resilience.

Qualifications and experience

You are a proactive and dynamic individual with a passion for nature recovery and climate action. As a qualified Ecologist, with a degree in ecology, environmental science or a related discipline (or equivalent), you will be able to demonstrate experience in ecological planning, biodiversity management, and/or habitat restoration. You have a developed understanding of the local authority and UK planning context in relation to biodiversity, including Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG). A relevant postgraduate qualification and CIEEM membership will be considered positively. You have excellent communication skills and can evidence the ability to prepare and present advice and reports to a variety of audiences. You have worked effectively with stakeholders to present information and collaborated to deliver successful and complex project outcomes. You are informed in respect of the requirements of local authorities by virtue of the Environment Act 2021 and have an understanding of ecosystem services and the principles of nature recovery. Experience in developing and managing habitat banks or similar initiatives would be considered an advantage. A full UK driving licence is essential.

EEO and recruitment notes: 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.

About Maidstone Borough Council

Maidstone is situated in the heart of Kent and is the county town. The urban centre has a strong commercial and retail base with good transport links but is set in a generally rural area, which includes the Kent Downs and the Kent Low Weald AONBs. The borough benefits from a diverse and valued heritage with 41 Conservation Areas, over 2000 Listed Buildings, 28 Scheduled Monuments and 15 historic parks and gardens. In recent years Maidstone has experienced growth and we are focused on shaping this growth with respect for the character and heritage of the borough and achieving high quality design. We strive to deliver high quality services to our residents and local businesses and to create a financially sustainable future. We support flexible working and have policies for hybrid working, flexi time, and flexible working to enable staff to shape their patterns for better work-life balance.

Contract

Contract: Full-time, permanent

Hours: 37 per week, Monday to Friday