Planning Ecologist

Leicestershire has an ambitious growth agenda, aiming to deliver thousands of new homes, major new infrastructure and employment across the area. This carries massive potential for gains in biodiversity value and improving people’s access to natural places.  A key priority for the County Council is to ensure that this growth is delivered sustainably, and that the opportunities to improve our local environment for biodiversity and for access to wildlife are fully realised. 

The Ecology team provides advice on biodiversity matters to the County’s Minerals and Waste planning service, to 7 District planning authorities across the County, and to Rutland County Council’s planning service. Following a restructure, we are looking for a Planning Ecologist to work alongside the Senior Planning Ecologist and implement the advisory service.   

Planning ecologist
Working Hours: Full Time, Permanent, Hours per week – 37 
Location: County Hall, Glenfield, Leicester, Leicestershire, LE3 8RA 
Reference: CE0283 
Closing date: 18 May 2020 at midnight
Salary Range: £21,591 to £23,838 (pay award pending) 

You will have an understanding of the planning system and how it can impact on biodiversity, and a good knowledge of ecological survey methods. You will understand how to assess the impact of development on wildlife, and how impacts can be mitigated or compensated for. You will need to demonstrate knowledge of planning policy, legislation and good practice regarding net-gain and other biodiversity matters.  

You will engage with members of the public, ecology consultants, planners and developers and other professionals in the environmental sector and will have the confidence and skills to negotiate the best possible outcomes for biodiversity.  

Essential Requirements:  

• Relevant qualification to degree level, or working towards one 
• Knowledge of national biodiversity policy and legislation 

• Knowledge of ecological survey and mitigation techniques 
• Understanding of the planning system related to biodiversity 
• Producing professional work 
• Ability to work to deadlines and handle a varied caseload

For informal enquires please contact Sue Timms, Tel: 0116 305 4108 Email: sue.timms@leics.gov.uk 

To apply and for an application form please visit: https://jobs.emss.org.uk/pages/job_search_view.aspx?preview=preview&jobId=12379