Specialist Advisor (Ecology)

Pembrokeshire County Council; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is looking for a dedicated Planning Ecologist to enhance the natural environment in Pembrokeshire. This full-time role involves providing expert ecological advice within the planning process, ensuring compliance with legislation, and collaborating with various stakeholders. The ideal candidate will possess a degree in Ecology, strong communication skills, and experience with GIS. Join a team committed to safeguarding biodiversity and making a positive impact on the community. This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to sustainable development while working in a supportive environment.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in ecology and planning processes.
• Knowledge of Habitats Regulations and planning legislation.

Responsibilities

• Provide specialist advice on ecology in land use planning.
• Ensure compliance with biodiversity legislation.

Skills

Ecology

Communication Skills

GIS

Legislation Knowledge

Organizational Skills

Education

Degree in Ecology or related subject

Tools

Databases

Job description

SPECIALIST ADVISOR (ECOLOGIST)

This is a full time (37hours per week) permanent position.

We are seeking to appoint a focused, dynamic Planning Ecologist with excellent communications skills to support the delivery of development that enhances the built and natural environment in Pembrokeshire.

In the role of the Local Planning Authority the Council has the responsibility to maintain and enhance the natural environment and promote the resilience of ecosystems. There are a wealth of special habitats and species found in Pembrokeshire; including 16 of the 18 UK protected bat species and important river habitats such as the Cleddau Rivers Special Area of Conservation; more details can be found on the Council's Biodiversity webpages: https://www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/biodiversity. Protected species and designated sites need to be considered during the planning process and planning proposals are carefully assessed in accordance with legislation and policy to consider the implications of these developments before any plan or project is approved.

GRADE & SALARY: Grade 8 (£35,235 - £39,513)

QUALIFICATIONS: You will hold a degree in Ecology or a related subject with a significant period of relevant experience of work of a similar nature. Knowledge of applicable legislation such as the Habitats Regulations and planning legislation and guidance is also essential. You will be an articulate and effective communicator, self-motivated, organised and highly computer literate, including using GIS and databases.

The post holder will provide specialist advice and information on ecology with regard to the land use planning process and other aspects of biodiversity across the Authority but particularly within Planning, Highways and Infrastructure and projects, and to wider external stakeholders ensuring compliance with related legislation and policy.

The post is also subject to a service level agreement with the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority to provide ecological advice within the National Park's planning application and pre-application advice processes

For further information please contact: Rebecca Blackman (Conservation Team Leader) on 01437 776376 or email [e-mail] or Harriet Lavender (Head of Planning Service) on 01437 775907 or [e-mail]

Please refer to the job description above for more details on this vacancy and the person specification.

Employment Checks

Where it is appropriate for your role and responsibility, the personal information we have collected from you will be shared with Cifas who will use it to prevent fraud, other unlawful or dishonest conduct, malpractice, and other seriously improper conduct. If any of these are detected you could be refused certain services or employment. Your personal information will also be used to verify your identity. Further details of how your information will be used by us and Cifas, and your data protection rights, can be found by visiting https://www.cifas.org.uk/fpn.

Applicants should ensure they have the right to work in the UK before applying for a vacancy.

Please note that at this point, Pembrokeshire County Council is not accepting applicants who require a Skilled Worker visa as a prerequisite to a right to work in the UK. Applicants should ensure they have the right to work in the UK before applying for a vacancy.

Safeguarding

Safeguarding and protecting children and adults at risk is a high priority for Pembrokeshire County Council. We aim to support vulnerable children and adults at risk to ensure they are as safe as they can possibly be. We are committed to ensuring their safety and will take action to safeguard their well-being. The Council's Corporate Safeguarding Policy provides a framework for every member of staff and Service within the Council, setting out responsibilities in relation to safeguarding and protecting children and adults at risk as well as the methods by which the Council will be assured that it is fulfilling its duties.

This policy applies to all Council employees and workforce, councillors, volunteers and also service providers that are commissioned by the Council. Safeguarding is everyone's business whether they work for, or on behalf of, the Council.

Support & Additional Info

• Please contact the HR Systems Team as early as possible if you're unable to apply online by emailing [e-mail] .
• Please contact the Recruitment Team if you have any queries relating to this vacancy by emailing [e-mail] .
• Local Government Employees on National Joint Council (NJC) terms are subject to national pay bargaining; all salaries currently stated in our adverts are as 01/04/2023.
• Please note, we have a legal obligation to consider employees for suitable alternative employment if their posts are at risk; therefore prior consideration will be given to existing employees who meet the person specification and are registered on our redeployment pool.

Welsh language skills are desirable. Applications may be submitted in Welsh and will not be treated less favourably than applications submitted in English.