Principal Ecologist

Oxford City Council; Oxford; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 53,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Principal Ecologist to lead ecological initiatives in Oxford. This role involves advising on ecological assessments for planning applications and ensuring compliance with biodiversity legislation. You will coach junior team members and spearhead the development of a Biodiversity Strategy aimed at enhancing local ecological networks. With a commitment to environmental sustainability, this position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the city's ecological health while enjoying a supportive work environment with excellent benefits.

Benefits

29 days holiday plus public holidays

Local government pension scheme

Subsidised leisure membership

Flex scheme

Employer benefits scheme

Qualifications

• Lead Ecologist with expertise in ecological assessments and biodiversity legislation.
• Experience in coaching junior officers and developing biodiversity strategies.

Responsibilities

• Review and advise on ecological work for planning applications.
• Lead the production of a Biodiversity Strategy for Oxford.

Skills

Ecological Assessment

Biodiversity Legislation

Coaching and Mentoring

Education

Degree in Ecology or Environmental Science

Job description

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location_on Location: Oxford - Town Hall/Work from home (Hybrid)

work_outline Basis: Full Time

Principal Ecologist

The job requirements are detailed below. Where applicable, the skills, qualifications, and memberships required for this job have also been included.

Job details

Salary: G8: £45,859 per annum + £3k market supplement

Contractual hours: 37

Basis: Full Time

Region: Oxford

Package: 29 days holiday plus public holidays, local government pension scheme, subsidised leisure membership, flex scheme (where appropriate), employer benefits scheme.

Job category/type: Permanent

Date posted: 13/01/2025

Job reference: 002608

Job description

You will be the lead Ecologist for Oxford City Council, working in the Environmental Quality team, part of Environmental Sustainability.

Your primary responsibility will be to review and provide advice on ecological work undertaken in support of planning applications and consented developments within the city boundaries.

A key element of this work will be ensuring planning applications comply with legislative biodiversity net gain requirements and providing advice internally on how to effectively secure and monitor biodiversity gains delivered through development.

You will be responsible for coaching and contributing to the professional development of junior officers within the team, as well as providing oversight of their work.

You will also be the technical lead on the production of a Biodiversity Strategy for Oxford, with a view to helping to protect and enhance the city’s fauna, flora, and ecological networks. This Strategy will play an important role in meeting the Council’s enhanced biodiversity duty under the Natural Environment and Rural Communities (NERC) Act 2006.

For an informal discussion about the post please contact James Barlow at [e-mail]