Senior Ecologist

Somerset County Council; Taunton; Hybrid; GBP 36,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading local council in Somerset is looking for a Senior Ecologist to provide professional ecological advice on planning and ecological matters. The role involves reviewing planning applications, conducting assessments, and liaising with various stakeholders. Flexible working arrangements are offered, along with a supportive environment and opportunities for career development.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Generous annual leave

Gym discounts

Employee wellbeing services

Pension scheme

Salary sacrifice benefits

Discounts through My Staff Shop

Qualifications

• Technical knowledge of bats, amphibians, reptiles, hazel dormice, and badgers.
• Experience analyzing ecology reports, including Environmental Impact Assessments.

Responsibilities

• Reviewing planning applications for ecological impacts.
• Liaising with stakeholders including Natural England.
• Conducting Habitats Regulations Assessments.

Skills

Communication

Technical knowledge of protected species

Education

Significant experience in the ecology industry

Job description

The Senior Ecologist will assist the Ecology Service Manager, who leads the Somerset Ecology Service (SES), a small team responsible for delivering the statutory obligations of Somerset Council. The position holder will provide professional ecological advice to and on behalf of the Council on planning and ecological matters, including biodiversity net gain and nutrient neutrality. The Senior Ecologist will act as a key advisor and assessor for one Planning Area of Somerset, ensuring compliance with national and local legislation and best practice guidance. The role is primarily desk-based but will include occasional ecological fieldwork. It offers flexible remote working, with encouragement to collaborate in an office setting, participate in surveys, team days, and career development opportunities.

We’re working to improve the lives of people in Somerset – and you’ll be a key part of that. Your day-to-day work will involve:

1. Reviewing and assessing planning applications and proposed plans for ecological impacts against legislation, policy, and best practices.
2. Liaising with council officers, applicants, and stakeholders including Natural England.
3. Reviewing Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) proposals and monitoring habitat creation within Somerset.
4. Reviewing nutrient neutrality mitigation schemes and shadow Habitat Regulations Assessments (HRAs).
5. Undertaking Habitats Regulations Assessments.
6. Assisting the Ecology Service Manager and team with daily operations.
7. Contributing to responses on national consultations, policies, or guidance on behalf of the council.
8. Supporting botanical, habitat, and protected species surveys.
9. Representing the Council at planning appeal hearings or inquiries as needed.
10. Advising council officers on ecological requirements for projects, including site work.
11. Contributing to strategic development and research to support the ecology service.
12. Researching and developing environmental planning and design tools.

What kind of experience or qualifications do I need?

We offer ongoing support, training, and guidance. It will help if you:

• Have technical knowledge of protected species and their ecological needs, especially bats, amphibians, reptiles, hazel dormice, and badgers.
• Understand the National Planning Policy Framework and relevant wildlife legislation.
• Have experience analyzing and evaluating ecology reports, including Environmental Impact Assessments.
• Have significant experience in the ecology industry.
• Possess excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.

What's in it for me?

We provide a supportive and rewarding environment, with a passionate team dedicated to improving lives in Somerset. Benefits include:

• Flexible working arrangements, including remote work.
• Generous annual leave, with options to purchase additional leave.
• Gym discounts and employee wellbeing services.
• Auto-enrollment in our pension scheme, with optional contributions.
• Flexible benefits via salary sacrifice, such as cycle schemes and health screenings.
• Discounts through My Staff Shop.

Anything else I should know?

Salary ranges from £36,124 to £40,476 per annum for a 37-hour week.

For an informal chat, contact Sarah Cruickshank, Ecology Service Manager.

If you're ready, just hit the apply button. We look forward to hearing from you.

Supporting documents and information

Please review any attached documents before applying.