Interim Principal Ecologist

About the job Interim Principal Ecologist

Habitat Regulations Assessment (HRA) and Nutrient Neutrality (NN)

These include complex bespoke calculations supported by detailed and non-standard data submissions and usually require bespoke legal agreements to provide required certainty for the HRA process. Will usually involve complex and detailed discussions and negotiations at a senior level in Natural England and with applicants and specialist contractors employed by the applicants.

Nutrient Neutrality - includes but not limited to:

• Change of use of land/buildings (especially farm related) to generate NN, including calculations around changing surface water flows and sustainable drainage systems.
• Offsite nutrient neutrality solutions.
• Approving, legally securing and managing third-party phosphate credit schemes.
• Intensive agricultural developments - eg AD Plants, waste to heat/energy, poultry and livestock units, polytunnels.
• Major residential applications not utilising a standard foul water and sustainable drainage scheme.
• Other alternative NN schemes such as fertiliser production.

Other HRA includes but not limited to:

• Air emission and deposition from agricultural developments and incineration.
• Significant recreational effects.
• Other significant water or air pollution such as waste water treatment works upgrades and integrated constructed wetlands.
• Drafting, proofing and publishing updated council guidance and FAQs.
• Specialist advice and processes in respect of Councils own Nutrient Neutrality Schemes.
• Technical support making comments on large/major/strategic developments and on significant developments by the council.
• Representing Natural Environment Service/Ecology at Planning appeal hearings and co-ordinating/proofing written representations.
• Managing this charged for scheme, liaising and obtaining advice from Natural Englands Discretionary Advice Service.
• Providing specialist input in to drafting of reports.
• Checking final reports are technically and legally correct.

Biodiversity Net Gain (statutory)

• Providing high level support to Development Management Team including advice on legal agreements and significant habitats and gains..
• Working to develop, approve and legally secure Habitat Banks in the county.
• Developing strategic approach to BNG
• Drafting, proofing and publishing updated council guidance and FAQs.