Senior Planning Ecologist

Swansea Council; Swansea; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional council in the UK is looking for a motivated Planning Ecologist to join their Nature Recovery Team. This full-time position involves providing ecological advice on planning applications and coordinating biodiversity surveys. The ideal candidate will hold a relevant degree and have strong ecological survey skills, alongside excellent communication abilities. This role is key in promoting nature recovery and ensuring development benefits biodiversity, contributing to policies and best practices across local stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Degree in ecology or related field; CIEEM membership preferred.
• Strong ecological survey skills with knowledge of policy.
• Natural Resources Wales bat survey licence is ideal.

Responsibilities

• Provide ecological advice on planning applications.
• Coordinate biodiversity surveys and contribute to policies.
• Champion best practices with stakeholders.

Skills

Ecological survey skills

Excellent communication skills

Technical report writing

Time management

Education

Relevant degree or equivalent

Postgraduate qualification

Job description

About the Role

Swansea Council is seeking a motivated, experienced Planning Ecologist to join our Nature Recovery Team within the Natural Environment Section. You will work with colleagues across the Council as well as external stakeholders to promote nature recovery and help deliver development that provides a net benefit for biodiversity.

Responsibilities

You will be expected to provide clear, practical ecological advice on planning applications, development proposals, planning policy, appeals and at public inquiries.

Your role will also involve coordinating biodiversity surveys and datasets, contributing to relevant plans, policies and strategies, and championing best practice across the Council and with external stakeholders. You will also support the work of the wider Nature Recovery Team where appropriate.

About the Position

The Post is full time and permanent.

Qualifications

• A relevant degree (or equivalent) as well as CIEEM membership (or working towards)
• You will also have a postgraduate qualification and/or relevant experience
• Strong ecological survey skills (e.g. Phase 1/UKHab, NVC, protected species) and a sound knowledge of legislation and policy
• You will ideally have a Natural Resources Wales bat survey licence (or be working towards one). Additional protected species licences would be an advantage
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to produce high-quality, succinct technical reports
• Being diligent, professional and enthusiastic, with excellent time management skills

About Swansea

Swansea is one of the most ecologically rich and diverse counties in the UK with over 50% of the county's area being of significant biodiversity value. Its unique variety of habitats and species and wonderful range of parks, greenspaces, nature reserves, beaches and landscapes need to be maintained, enhanced and sustainably managed for the benefit of people and wildlife now and into the future.