Planning Ecologist

Herefordshire Council is looking to appoint a Planning Ecologist to join our Natural Environment function within the Economy & Environment Directorate. This is a key professional role providing ecological advice across the planning system and wider council activity. You will play an important part in 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.

• Reviewing planning applications, including interpretation of wildlife and habitats legislation.
• Undertaking Habitats Regulations Assessments (HRA).
• Reviewing biodiversity net gain (BNG) proposals and biodiversity gain conditions.
• Assessing development proposal compliance with Nutrient Neutrality.
• Negotiating with applicants, agents, and consultees, working closely with Development Management Case Officers to agree appropriate mitigation and planning conditions.
• Providing ecological input to council nature policy development.
• Undertaking site visits and ecological surveys, including monitoring BNG sites.
• Supporting enforcement team relating to potential breaches of legislation/conditions.
• Representing the council at meetings, forums and public events, promoting biodiversity.
• Working collaboratively with colleagues across Planning, Sustainability and Climate Change, Highways, Parks and Legal Services, and external partners including Natural England, the Environment Agency and local wildlife organisations.

We welcome applications from candidates who:

• Have a disability.
• Are an Armed Forces Veteran or Reservist.
• Are a Herefordshire care leaver.

• A degree (or equivalent) in ecology, nature conservation or a closely related discipline.
• Membership of, or active progression towards 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.

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.

If you are offered this position, it will be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service check.

• 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.