Principal Planning Ecologist

CHARTERED INSTITUTE OF ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT; Malpas; Hybrid; GBP 39,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working options

Generous pension

Job summary

Cheshire Wildlife Trust is seeking a Principal Planning Ecologist to lead ecological input on planning, policy and infrastructure proposals. You will analyse risks to nature, turn complex evidence into clear action, and produce robust consultation responses and technical reports.

The role offers a hybrid working pattern with on-site and home-based days, with a salary band of £39,040–£44,689 per year and up to 7.5% employer pension contribution. Closing date 4 October 2026.

Responsibilities

• Analyze planning, policy and infrastructure proposals to identify risks to nature
• Produce bold consultation responses, briefings and technical reports
• Collaborate with planners, regulators, experts and partners to push for nature-positive outcomes
• Support Biodiversity Net Gain, Environmental Impact Assessments and Local Nature Recovery Strategies

Job description

Wildlife is in freefall. The climate is in crisis. Business as usual is not enough.

Principal Planning EcologistSalary: Starting in the region of £39,040 per annum, plus up to 7.5% employer pension contribution

Salary band: Rank 2 (£39,040 – £44,689 per annum) Contract type: Permanent Working hours: Full time Location: Bickley Hall Farm, Malpas, SY14 8EF – We operate a hybrid working policy with most staff working at least part of the week from home and/or out on site.

Cheshire Wildlife Trust is the region’s leading independent wildlife charity working across Cheshire, Halton, Stockport, Tameside, Trafford, Warrington and Wirral for over 60 years.

If you are a senior or principal ecologist, planning ecologist or environmental specialist with serious technical credibility, you probably know the drill: another site visit, another mitigation plan, another report explaining how to make the destruction slightly less awful. Maybe you are tired of being miles from home, stuck on the road, or pouring your expertise into places already marked for loss.

We are looking for a confident Principal Planning Ecologist to help fight for a Wilder Cheshire. You’ll be the informed ecological voice behind our advocacy work: analysing planning, policy and infrastructure proposals, exposing risks to nature and turning complex evidence into clear, powerful action.

You’ll produce bold consultation responses, briefings and technical reports; support campaigns with rock-solid science and policy firepower. You will work with planners, regulators, experts and partners to push for nature-positive outcomes. From Biodiversity Net Gain to Environmental Impact Assessments and Local Nature Recovery Strategies, you’ll help make sure wildlife is not ignored when big decisions are made.

We need strategic thinking, ecological expertise, fearless communication and the courage to hold decision makers to account.

If you can defend nature with facts, energy and clarity, this is your call to arms.

In return, you will join an agile, flexible and friendly organisation with generous benefits, flexible working options and colleagues who are passionate about bringing wildlife back.

Closing date: Sunday 4 October 2026

You may be required to carry out a DBS check for this role.

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK. Sorry, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this position

No agencies please.