Ecologist

Greater Manchester supports a rich and varied natural heritage, including the Pennine foothills, the open peatlands of Chat Moss, a complex network of rivers and canals, ancient woodland and urban habitats. The position advertised will provide an opportunity to make a difference in the conservation and protection of these habitats in response to the Biodiversity Emergency that has been declared in Greater Manchester.

The Greater Manchester Ecology Unit (GMEU) provides specialist advice to the ten planning authorities within Greater Manchester on Ecology and Nature Conservation. In response to the new requirements of the Environment Act (and particularly Biodiversity Net Gain) we are seeking to recruit a dedicated and passionate individual to join our existing team of planning ecologists.

Although the main focus of the role will be to provide support and expert advice to the various planning teams in the region, GMEU also hosts the Greater Manchester Local Record Centre (GMLRC) and surveys and assesses Local Wildlife Sites. There are also opportunities to carry out habitat and species surveys, to input into the Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS), as well as getting involved in a range of practical projects that GMEU are supporting.

Whilst previous experience working in planning ecology would be beneficial, the role would provide a great opportunity for an experienced ecologist to move into planning ecology and join our friendly and passionate team. The role would receive mentoring and guidance from our team, and external training provided where appropriate.

About You

• To apply for this post, you must be able to demonstrate:
• a degree or equivalent in a relevant environmental or biological subject.
• be able to demonstrate experience in carrying out ecological field survey work.
• an ability to produce professional work relating to the natural environment, working as part of a team and meeting performance deadlines.
• Being able to offer expert advice to stakeholders or clients in relation to complex ecological or planning ecological matters.
• Knowledge of ecological survey methods and requirements for species and habitats appropriate to the planning system.
• Knowledge and understanding of the principles and application of Biodiversity Net Gain legislation, policy and practice.

You must also have an understanding of, and commitment to, equal opportunities, and the ability to apply this to all situations.

About Us

At Tameside, we are committed to ensuring all our Citizens lead long, fulfilling and healthy lives. We are committed to supporting economic growth, providing high-quality health and care services, protecting our most vulnerable and creating strong and supportive, self-sufficient communities.

We recognise that our people drive our success and enable the organisation to deliver on its vision, purpose and priorities, and that our people are our most important resource and asset. Our values underpin our practice and behaviours and are at the heart of everything that we do; and we understand that how we do things is just as important as what we do. We pride ourselves on living by our STRIVE values of Support, Trust, Respect, Integrity, Value Diversity and Engage. Our values underpin our practice and behaviours and are at the heart of everything that we do. How we do things are just as important as what we do.

Our employees’ skills, experience and knowledge are essential to our success along with their happiness, wellbeing, commitment, enthusiasm and motivation to be the best they can be.

For further information about this role please contact the recruiting manager on 0161 342 2593 or derek.richardson@tameside.gov.uk

To apply, please click the apply button here.

Closing date: 3 July 2024.

** This post is classified as being in a professional job category. As such the grade for the job has a professional grade development bar which employees can progress through subject to meeting the following criteria:

1. Relevant professional qualification for the job role at Level 6 or above, AND

2. Minimum of 2 years post qualification experience in the role, AND

3. Maintained membership of a regulated body where this is a requirement to practice in the role where applicable, AND

4. Professional standards practised to the highest expected level.

We are committed to developing a culture which respects individuals, appreciates difference and allows everyone regardless of background to reach their full potential. We are proud to be an accredited disability confident employer. Reasonable Adjustments will be considered in accordance with the Equality Act 2010 in relation to the Job Role Criteria.