Senior Ecologist

Civic Recruitment Limited; Sharnford; Hybrid; GBP 110,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

1 day per week in office

4 days remote

Bi-weekly pay

Job summary

Civic Recruitment Limited is assisting Charnwood Borough Council to find a Senior Ecologist for a 3-month contract. The role focuses on delivering expert ecological guidance, advising on biodiversity needs, and supporting planning applications with predominantly remote work and one day per week in the Loughborough office.

The position offers hybrid working with 1 day in the office and 4 days remote, bi-weekly pay, and an opportunity to serve as the Council's ecological specialist on biodiversity

Qualifications

• Degree in Ecology or related field.
• Extensive ecology experience.
• Experience in Local Government or consultancy.
• Knowledge of ecology, biodiversity and legislation.
• Experience reviewing ecological surveys/reports.
• Excellent report writing and communication skills.
• Independent working and prioritisation skills.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and advisory abilities.

Responsibilities

• Offer specialized ecological advice to Planning Officers, Councillors and Council services.
• Evaluate planning applications and review ecological surveys and mitigation plans.
• Provide guidance on biodiversity, habitat conservation and planning requirements.
• Support statutory ecological and environmental obligations of the Council.
• Advise on Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) requirements.
• Review ecological impact assessments and habitat management plans.
• Counsel on protected species legislation and habitat conservation.
• Collaborate with developers, consultants and stakeholders.
• Deliver technical responses to planning consultations and proposals.
• Ensure adherence to environmental legislation and guidance.

Skills

Ecology knowledge

Biodiversity

Protected species

Habitat regulations

BNG knowledge

Planning advice

Report writing

Stakeholder engagement

Independent worker

Prioritisation

Education

Degree in Ecology/Environmental Science/Conservation

Job description

Job Description

Senior Ecologist – 3 Month Contract

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

Rate: £60.00 per hour (Umbrella)

Contract: 3 Month Contract

Hours: Full Time

Working Pattern: Hybrid

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

Pay: Bi-Weekly

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

• 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.

Desirable

• Full membership of CIEEM.
• Protected Species Licences.
• 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?

• £60.00 per hour (Umbrella)
• 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.

Requirements Essential Requirements Degree in Ecology, Environmental Science, Conservation, or a related discipline. Significant experience in an ecology role within Local Government, consultancy, or a related environment. Strong knowledge of: Ecology and Biodiversity Protected Species Legislation Habitat Regulations Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) Planning and Environmental Legislation Experience reviewing ecological reports and environmental assessments. Experience 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. Desirable Requirements Full membership of CIEEM. Protected Species Licences. Local Authority planning and development experience. Experience supporting Biodiversity Action Plans and environmental strategies. Knowledge of current biodiversity and planning policy requirements. What's on Offer? £60.00 per hour (Umbrella) 3 Month Contract Hybrid Working 1 Day Per Week in the Office 4 Days Per Week Remote Bi-Weekly Pay Opportunity to act as the Council's ecological specialist. Involvement in planning, biodiversity, and environmental projects. Flexible working arrangement with predominantly remote working. Opportunity to contribute to biodiversity enhancement and sustainable development across the Borough. Suitable for candidates with experience as a Senior Ecologist, Principal Ecologist, Ecology Consultant, Biodiversity Officer, Environmental Advisor, Planning Ecologist, Ecological Consultant, or Conservation Officer.