Senior Planning Ecologist

Wakefield Council; Wakefield; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Wakefield is seeking an experienced Senior Planning Ecologist to provide expert ecological advice on planning applications and lead biodiversity net gain initiatives. The ideal candidate will have an undergraduate degree in ecology and experience in wildlife conservation. This role offers a flexible full-time working pattern, commitment to staff well-being, and access to professional development opportunities. Benefits include participation in the Local Government Pension Scheme and various employee discounts.

Benefits

Flexible working pattern

High-quality training programs

Commitment to staff well-being

Local Government Pension Scheme

Discounted leisure facilities membership

Qualifications

• Experience in biodiversity and wildlife conservation related to Development Management.
• Ability to assess ecological reports and provide feedback.
• Knowledge of UK habitats and species.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert ecological advice on planning applications.
• Lead on biodiversity net gain implementation in planning.
• Mentor and train the Planning Ecologist.

Skills

Ecological advice on planning applications

Biodiversity and wildlife conservation

Knowledge of wildlife law

Practical experience with Defra Biodiversity Metric

Ecological surveys and assessments

Strong IT skills

Education

Undergraduate degree in ecology or related subject

Relevant postgraduate qualification

Job description

Wakefield Council has an exciting opportunity for an experienced ecologist to join our friendly, professional Planning Policy and Environment team to lead on biodiversity and ecology issues in planning. The Council adopted the Local Plan and Biodiversity Net Gain Supplementary Planning Document in , which provide strong planning policies for environmental protection and enhancement. The Council also has a well established approach to biodiversity net gain assessment and monitoring. We are also working to progress local habitat banks and support the delivery of the emerging Local Nature Recovery Strategy in West Yorkshire. This position will be an integral part of our highly successful Planning Service.

Responsibilities

As the Senior Planning Ecologist, you will play a crucial role in providing expert ecological advice on planning applications and driving biodiversity net gain through planning. Your responsibilities will include :

• Acting as the lead for providing expert ecological advice on planning applications, ensuring compliance with ecological standards and regulations.
• Assessing ecological reports for planning applications, offering insightful feedback, and negotiating with developers to ensuring compliance with relevant regulations.
• Lead on the implementation of biodiversity net gain in planning, including monitoring and reporting.
• Supporting future plan making activities in relation to ecology and biodiversity.
• Overseeing and mentoring / training the Planning Ecologist, ensuring their professional growth and development.
• Collaborating with Wakefield Council's Countryside and Greenspace Service to support the delivery of biodiversity net gain and nature recovery initiatives.

Requirements

The ideal candidate will be an experienced individual and have :

• An undergraduate degree in ecology or a related subject, and experience in the field.
• Experience of dealing with biodiversity and wildlife conservation in relation to Development Management.
• Knowledge of wildlife law, policy and procedure relating to development management.
• Practical experience in the use of the Defra Biodiversity Metric and ability to undertake, interpret and scrutinise biodiversity net gain assessments.
• Knowledge of UK habitats and species and experience of undertaking ecological surveys and assessments.
• Strong IT skills to support working with packages such as Word, Excel, and Access as well as specific IT packages.
• A relevant postgraduate qualification will be desirable.
• Relevant chartered professional ecological / environmental membership (or eligibility).
• A valid driving licence is essential for this role.

Why Choose Wakefield Council?

At Wakefield Council, we value our employees and strive to create a positive and supportive work environment. We offer the following benefits :

• Flexible full-time working pattern of 37 hours per week.
• Support and access to high-quality training programs to help you progress in your career.
• Commitment to staff well-being, including work / life balance, supportive leadership, and workplace support.
• Access to a range of employee support products and discounts.
• Participation in the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
• Excellent benefits package, including discounted membership to our state-of-the-art leisure facilities, free 12-week exercise program with a dedicated personal trainer, discounts for various retail, entertainment, health, and leisure providers, cycle-to-work scheme, and more.