Location
Hertfordshire (Countywide)

Hours
37 hours per week

Salary
Starting salary £31,536 progressing to £34,433 per annum (pro rata for part time)

About the Role
Are you passionate about protecting and enhancing the natural environment? Do you want to make a real difference to biodiversity and ecology in one of the UK’s most diverse counties? We are seeking an enthusiastic Assistant Ecology Adviser to join our growing expert team of ecologists within the LEADS team (Landscape, Ecology, Archaeology, Development & Sustainability). You will work collaboratively across environmental disciplines to ensure ecology is central to planning decisions and growth across Hertfordshire.

This is an exciting time to join as we implement Biodiversity Net Gain and the Local Nature Recovery Strategy—transformative initiatives elevating the role of ecology in planning, placemaking, and climate change mitigation. You will help shape the future of the county’s natural spaces, contributing to sustainability, ecological resilience, and climate mitigation.

As an Assistant Ecology Adviser, you will begin your career in ecology by applying academic knowledge in real-life situations, supported by training and guidance from senior colleagues. Opportunities include training on planning principles, botanical identification, site visits, bat and artificial lighting courses, and species identification.

Your responsibilities will include supporting the interpretation and assessment of ecological reports, ensuring planning decisions reflect current biodiversity legislation and policy, conducting site visits and ecological fieldwork, liaising with planners, developers, landowners and conservation partners, preparing reports, contributing to policy development, responding to public and stakeholder enquiries, and championing sustainability and ecological best practice across the Council’s work.

Experience
- A degree (or equivalent) in a natural science or relevant discipline, or equivalent work experience.
- Sound understanding of ecological principles and biodiversity.
- Ability to analyse ecological data and reports and communicate findings clearly.
- Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
- Willingness to learn and collaborate with experienced team members.

About you
We are looking for someone with a genuine passion for the natural world and ecological conservation. Whether you are a recent graduate or have relevant experience, enthusiasm and commitment to ecology are essential.

Qualifications
- Essential: Degree or equivalent in natural sciences or relevant discipline.
- Desirable: Vocational ecological qualifications or working towards protected species licences.
- Experience with biological recording and voluntary ecological networks.
- Familiarity with GIS and ecological databases.
- Understanding of key environmental stakeholders such as Natural England and the Environment Agency.
- Knowledge of Biodiversity Net Gain principles.