Senior Ecologist

Civic Recruitment Limited; Loughborough; On-site; GBP 96,000 - 114,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

1 day per week in office

Bi-weekly pay

Remote working 4 days/week

Chance to lead ecological projects

Job summary

Civic Recruitment Limited is seeking a Senior Ecologist for a 3 month contract, primarily remote with one day in the office in Loughborough, Leicestershire. The role focuses on advising on biodiversity, habitat conservation and planning-related environmental issues for the Borough.

You will review ecological surveys, support statutory duties and engage with developers and stakeholders to ensure biodiversity net gain and compliant planning processes.

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent in ecology, environmental science or related field.
• Experience within Local Government or consultancy settings.
• Knowledge of biodiversity and planning policy requirements.
• Experience reviewing ecological surveys and environmental assessments.
• Excellent report writing and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide ecological guidance to planning officers and stakeholders.
• Evaluate planning applications and ecological surveys.
• Advise on biodiversity, habitat conservation and species protection.
• Support statutory ecological and environmental obligations.
• Contribute to Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) requirements and planning processes.
• Review environmental impact assessments and mitigation plans.
• Collaborate with developers and statutory agencies on environmental projects.
• Deliver technical responses to planning consultations.

Skills

Ecology and Biodiversity

Protected Species Legislation

Habitat Regulations

Biodiversity Net Gain

Planning and Environmental Legislation

Report writing

Education

Degree in Ecology/Environmental Science/Conservation

Full membership of CIEEM

Job description

Loughborough, United Kingdom | Posted on 07/10/2026

At Civic Recruitment and Limited, we know that individuals are more than just fixed expenses; they are the cornerstone of every thriving organisation. That’s why we are passionate about transforming recruitment in the public and private sectors.

In the modern job market, organisations in both public and private sectors face significant workforce challenges. Public sector entities, such as local councils and central government departments, often struggle with lengthy recruitment processes, limited access to qualified candidates, and stringent budgetary and regulatory constraints. Private sector businesses, on the other hand, encounter high turnover rates, difficulties managing a mix of permanent and temporary staff, and challenges in sourcing specialised talent for niche industries. These sector-specific obstacles, coupled with the universal complexities of payroll management, create a pressing need for efficient workforce solutions.

Civic Recruitment Limited addresses these challenges with innovative recruitment and payroll solutions tailored for diverse organisational needs. Recognising the critical hurdles organisations face, the company leverages its expertise to streamline processes, reduce recruitment times, and alleviate administrative burdens. With an extensive database of over 1 million pre-screened candidates, Civic Recruitment Limited is well-positioned to cater to the specific needs of both public and private sectors.

Job Description

Senior Ecologist – 3 Month Contract

Location: Council Offices, Southfield Road, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE11 2TX

Contract: 3 Month Contract

Hours: Full Time

Working Pattern: Hybrid

• 1 Day Per Week Office Based
• 4 Days Per Week Remote

Summary

Charnwood Borough Council is in search of a seasoned Senior Ecologist to deliver expert ecological guidance and support for various planning, development, conservation, and environmental initiatives. This role, primarily remote with one day a week at the Council Offices in Loughborough, involves serving as the Council's ecological authority. You will provide insights on ecological issues, biodiversity needs, habitat conservation, and planning applications. This position offers a unique chance for an experienced ecology professional to significantly contribute to sustainable development while safeguarding and enhancing biodiversity throughout the Borough.

Key Responsibilities

• Offer specialized ecological advice to Planning Officers, Councillors, and other Council services.
• Evaluate planning applications and review ecological surveys, reports, and mitigation strategies.
• Provide guidance on biodiversity, habitat conservation, species protection, and ecological best practices.
• Assist the Council in fulfilling its statutory ecological and environmental obligations.
• Advise on Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) requirements.
• Review ecological impact assessments and habitat management plans.
• Counsel on protected species legislation and habitat conservation.
• Support the creation and execution of environmental and biodiversity initiatives.
• Collaborate with developers, consultants, statutory agencies, and internal stakeholders.
• Deliver technical responses to planning consultations and development proposals.
• Ensure adherence to relevant environmental legislation, policy, and guidance.
• Contribute to ecological monitoring, policy development, and service enhancements as needed.

Requirements

Requirements:

• Degree in Ecology, Environmental Science, Conservation, or a related field.
• Extensive experience in an ecology role within Local Government, consultancy, or a related setting.
• Strong knowledge of:
  • Ecology and Biodiversity
  • Protected Species Legislation
  • Habitat Regulations
  • Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG)
  • Planning and Environmental Legislation
• Experience in reviewing ecological reports and environmental assessments.
• Experience in providing ecological advice within the planning process.
• Excellent report-writing and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage priorities effectively.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and advisory skills.
• Full membership of CIEEM.
• Experience in Local Authority planning and development.
• Experience supporting Biodiversity Action Plans and environmental strategies.
• Knowledge of current biodiversity and planning policy requirements.

What's on Offer?

• 3 Month Contract
• Hybrid Working
• 1 Day Per Week in the Office
• 4 Days Per Week Remote
• Bi-Weekly Pay
• Opportunity to serve as the Council's ecological specialist.
• Engagement in planning, biodiversity, and environmental projects.
• Flexible working arrangement with predominantly remote work.
• Chance to contribute to biodiversity enhancement and sustainable development across the Borough.

Ideal for candidates with experience as a Senior Ecologist, Principal Ecologist, Ecology Consultant, Biodiversity Officer, Environmental Advisor, Planning Ecologist, Ecological Consultant, or Conservation Officer.