Biodiversity Net Gain Ecologist on behalf of East Lindsey District Council

East Lindsey District Council are looking for an Ecologist with the experience and skills to ensure new planning developments address the needs of habitats and wildlife.

Local planning authorities require novel ecological expertise to meet their augmented statutory duties to conserve and enhance biodiversity within the planning system.  We are seeking a skilled and dedicated individual with habitat assessment and/or conservation management experience to play a vital role in implementing Biodiversity Net Gain across Southeast Lincolnshire. Working closely with our senior ecologist, planners, and developers, this new role provides the opportunity to ensure that measurable biodiversity gains are achieved on the ground through development, as well as providing technical advice and support to internal and external stakeholders.

Key responsibilities:

The Biodiversity Net Gain Ecologist will be an expert on:

• Reviewing BNG information submitted with planning applications and assessing its reliability on a site-by-site basis.
• Providing input into determining the level of scientific scrutiny/review required for each application and prioritizing cases.
• Communicating feedback to planning officers and developers.
• Performing on-site habitat condition assessments and spatially mapping habitat.

The post will primarily work with the Senior Ecologist and Planning Teams across East Lindsey, Boston Borough, and South Holland District Councils, but will also liaise frequently with Validation and Enforcement Officers, Developers, as well as external stakeholders working in nature recovery to help provide a co-ordinated approach to habitat creation and assessment across Lincolnshire.

The successful candidate will need to be a dynamic team player who demonstrates good communication skills to a wide range of audiences and has a strong eye for detail. They will need to have a strong understanding of both the legislative and policy framework, as well as the ecological assessment methods required to implement biodiversity net gain and will be confident in supporting colleagues to embrace new ways of working.

What we need from you:

• Degree level in Ecology or related discipline.
• Experience conducting habitat surveys using UK Habitat classification system and condition assessments, or other Ecological Assessment/Monitoring or Conservation Management work.
• Familiarity with the Defra BNG Metric, net gain plans, and BNG guidelines and national planning policy.
• Knowledge of UK environmental legislation.
• Full driving licence.

This position is a shared role within the South and East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership (SELCP) and forms part of the S113 agreement between the participating partnership Councils in accordance with the Memorandum of Agreement 1st October 2021.

BENEFITS: We offer excellent terms and conditions of employment including:

• Local Government Pension Scheme, 23.8% employer contribution
• Generous annual leave scheme +option to buy more
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Employee Benefits Platform including retail, holiday, and leisure discounts
• Cycle to work scheme*
• Flu Jabs
• Free Eye Test voucher
• Flexible Working Policy
• Agile Working Policy*
• Car Mileage reimbursement*
• Long service recognition
• Excellent career progression and training opportunities

*Certain restrictions may apply

We also offer a wide range of family friendly policies designed to enable you to balance your work and home life, manage your personal responsibilities and support you in times of difficulty.

ABOUT US: Boston Borough Council, East Lindsey District Council and South Holland District Council have formed the South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership.  The largest Council Partnership in the country. Since October 2021, the Partnership Councils have been working closely to deliver improved services to the communities in the sub-region and already there have been many positive outcomes.

Over time, it is envisaged that services will become formally shared across the three Councils creating the opportunity for colleagues to be involved in new and innovate areas of work.

If you are interested in having a confidential conversation about the role, please contact Chris De Ruyck on 07394 837887.  To apply click our link above.

The Council is an Equal Opportunities Employer. We are committed to ensuring all recruitment processes are non-discriminatory and that no potential or current employee is treated unfairly. Find out more about our Equal opportunities on our website

The Council reserves the right to change the closing date, depending on application numbers. Interviews may be arranged virtually/ in person when suitable candidates apply which may be prior to the closing date.