Senior Ecologist - Housing

We are seeking a Senior Ecologist - Housing to join a Local Authority in the East Midlands, supporting the Planning Service by providing expert ecological advice and leading on the delivery of Biodiversity Net Gain across the borough.

Contract Length: 3-6 Months

Rate: Negotiable (Inside IR35)

Location: Hybrid (2-3 days per week on site)

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide professional ecological advice on the integration of biodiversity within development projects
• Ensure a consistent and effective approach to the implementation of Biodiversity Net Gain across the service
• Advise planning applicants and case officers within statutory timescales to ensure no net loss of biodiversity
• Monitor delivery of Biodiversity Net Gain against approved plans and support Planning Enforcement investigations where required
• Maintain records, undertake surveys, and monitor the condition of Local Wildlife Sites (LWS)
• Act to conserve and enhance sites of nature conservation importance across the borough
• Commission and manage contractors delivering environmental and ecological surveys
• Prepare and implement habitat creation schemes and management plans
• Prepare and present reports to relevant Council Committees on ecology and biodiversity matters
• Liaise with the County Council regarding ecological data collection and oversee the Service Level Agreement with the Environmental Records Centre
• Work collaboratively with internal teams, Town and Parish Councils, and external agencies on ecology-related matters
• Contribute to service improvement and customer satisfaction, ensuring performance standards are met
• Ensure secure management of information in line with Council policies

Requirements:

• Substantial experience in ecology, biodiversity, or a related environmental discipline
• Strong knowledge of planning policy, Biodiversity Net Gain, and relevant environmental legislation
• Proven experience providing professional ecological advice within a local authority or similar environment
• Experience managing ecological surveys, contractors, and habitat management schemes
• Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills

If interested, please apply with your most up-to-date CV and a member of the team will be in contact if suitable.