Senior Ecologist

Bath and North East Somerset Council; Keynsham; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

Hybrid/remote options

Office base in Keynsham

Job summary

Bath and North East Somerset Council is seeking an experienced ecologist to provide specialist planning ecology advice, ensuring biodiversity net gain is embedded in developments across Bath and the surrounding district.

You will manage your own workload with a high degree of autonomy, work from the Civic Centre in Keynsham with options to travel to Bath and Midsomer Norton or work from home as needed.

Qualifications

• Degree in ecology or equivalent demonstrated competence.
• Track record of delivering ecological outcomes within planning.
• Strong understanding of national and local environmental policy and guidelines.

Responsibilities

• Provide specialist ecological advice to planning officers on development proposals.
• Ensure biodiversity net gain is considered throughout the planning process.
• Work autonomously to manage your own workload and deliver reliable ecological guidance.
• Support flexible working, with an office base in Keynsham and options to work in Bath, Midsomer Norton, or from home.

Skills

Ecology expertise

Planning knowledge

Policy understanding

Education

Degree in ecology or related field

Job description

At Bath & North East Somerset Council we have one overriding purpose – to improve people’s lives.

About the Team

Bath and North East Somerset is a large and diverse district in the West of England, containing not only the internationally renowned City of Bath World Heritage Site, but also an extensive area of Green Belt, two AONBs, and beautiful countryside and settlements.

There is a rich and diverse natural environment with some important, designated sites including Chew Valley Lake Special Protection Area, and the Bath & Bradford on Avon Bats Special Area of Conservation, as well as many Sites of Special Scientific Interest, Local Nature Reserves and non-statutory Sites of Nature Conservation Interest and Regionally Important Geological Sites.

Bath & North East Somerset is also home to a unique and special array of rare and protected wildlife and habitats.

You will work within a small team of ecologists alongside a range of other specialists within the team, including landscape, tree, heritage, conservation and planning professionals.

About the Role

You will be providing specialist advice to planning officers on a day-to-day basis to ensure that ecological matters are taken fully into consideration in the planning process including delivering Biodiversity Net Gain.

You will be expected to demonstrate a high level of experience as an ecologist working within a planning environment and giving effective and reliable ecological advice. You will have a high degree of autonomy, independently managing your own workload. One day you might be looking at proposals in Bath city centre close to the river corridor, the next, plans to extend an agricultural business; another day, new housing which might impact a valuable, designated area.

The right person will help us meet the challenges of high levels of growth, at the same time as looking after our unique natural environment. The opportunity to work in the World Heritage City of Bath and at the same time our wide rural area makes this a unique opportunity and a hugely attractive place to work.

About You

You will:

• Hold a degree in a relevant subject or demonstrate an equivalent level of competence and knowledge in the subject area;
• Have a demonstrable track record in achieving successful outcomes for ecology, and a strong understanding of the planning process
• Possess a strong understanding of national and local natural environmental and ecological policy, legislation and guidelines

We are a positive and mutually supportive team who work well together. If you are passionate about ecology, forward-thinking, ambitious, and keen to make a real difference in a world class environment and would like to join our team, we would be delighted to hear from you.

We support flexible working with the opportunity to move between the award winning, modern Civic Centre in Keynsham (which will be your office base), and Council locations in Bath and Midsomer Norton and also to work from home.

If you are interested in this post and require more details or just to chat through the role and what’s involved, please contact Paula Freeland, Deputy Head of Planning, [e-mail] or Lucy Corner, Principal Ecologist [e-mail]

Interview date: TBC

*Please note, BANES Council operates a policy of prior consideration for roles for any individual on the Council’s at-risk register (redeployee). This means should a redeployee express an interest in this role, providing they meet the essential criteria for the role they will be considered ahead of external applicants.

About Bath and North East Somerset Council.

Working at Bath and North East Somerset provides an opportunity to contribute to your community and make a positive impact on the lives of residents. Our values shape how we work to deliver public services, and how we communicate with the residents we serve. We care about the best outcomes for local people, through our public services.

Why Bath and North East Somerset Council?

We offer a wide range of benefits, to ensure that you are paid fairly for your work, have the flexibility to enjoy a great work/life balance, and have the support you need. Go to https://jobsandcareers.bathnes.gov.uk/why-work-us/our-benefits

At Bath & North East Somerset Council we have one overriding purpose – to improve peoples lives. Find out more about our values at https://jobsandcareers.bathnes.gov.uk/why-work-us/our-values

We aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply and join us. Find out more on our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at https://beta.bathnes.gov.uk/equality-and-diversity

We are a Disability Confident Employer – find out more at https://shorturl.at/ajrsW

The Council is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce. Applications for job-share, part-time and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.

Safeguarding Statement:

The Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable groups and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. As part of this commitment anyone working in a post with children or vulnerable groups will be expected to undertake an Enhanced DBS check with/without barred list checks.