Planning Ecologist

Job Title:

Planning Ecologist

Hours:

37

Salary: HC07 £ 32,061 – £36,363 per annum

Contract:

Permanent

Closing date: 28th June 2026

Herefordshire Council seeks to appoint a Planning Ecologist to join the Natural Environment function within the Economy & Environment Directorate. This key professional role provides ecological advice across the planning system and wider council activity, protecting and enhancing Herefordshire’s biodiversity, supporting sustainable development, and helping to deliver the council’s ambitions around nature recovery networks and biodiversity net gain.

• Review planning applications, including interpretation of wildlife and habitats legislation.
• Undertake Habitats Regulations Assessments (HRA).
• Review biodiversity net gain (BNG) proposals and biodiversity gain conditions.
• Assess development proposal compliance with Nutrient Neutrality.
• Negotiate with applicants, agents, and consultees, working closely with Development Management Case Officers to agree appropriate mitigation and planning conditions.
• Provide ecological input to council nature policy development.
• Undertake site visits and ecological surveys, including monitoring BNG sites.
• Support the enforcement team relating to potential breaches of legislation/conditions.
• Represent the council at meetings, forums and public events, promoting biodiversity.

Collaborate with colleagues across Planning, Sustainability and Climate Change, Highways, Parks and Legal Services, and with external partners including Natural England, the Environment Agency and local wildlife organisations.

• A degree (or equivalent) in ecology, nature conservation or a closely related discipline.
• Membership of, or active progression toward membership of, a relevant professional body such as CIEEM.
• Knowledge of wildlife legislation, ecological best practice and how these apply within the planning system.
• Experience of providing technical ecological advice, including Habitats Regulations Assessment and biodiversity net gain.
• Knowledge of ecological field survey techniques.
• The ability to interpret technical reports, legislation and policy and present clear, balanced advice to a range of audiences.
• Strong communication skills and confidence working with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.
• The ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• A full driving licence and the ability to travel throughout the county and undertake site visits, including over rough terrain.

Share the council’s commitment to safeguarding children, young people and adults with care and support needs.

• Salary range of £32,061 – £36,363.
• Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
• Clear opportunities for professional learning and career development.
• 31 days’ annual leave (pro rata) plus bank holidays, with the option to purchase up to 10 additional days.
• Flexible working options, including agile working arrangements.
• Employee Assistance Programme with 24/7 access to support.
• Contribution towards professional membership fees (where role‑related).
• A wide range of savings and discounts through the employee benefits scheme.

We take our commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults seriously and expect all of our staff, visitors and volunteers to share in this commitment.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children & young people and vulnerable adults. If you are offered this position, it will be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service check.