Location
Kirklees, West Yorkshire (Hybrid – home and office work, based in Huddersfield)

Hours
Full Time, Permanent

Salary
£38,220 per annum

About the Role
Kirklees Council has an exciting opportunity for a lead Biodiversity Officer / Ecologist to join the Development Management team. This is a pivotal role during the update of the Kirklees Local Plan, offering the chance to protect and enhance the diverse wildlife of West Yorkshire through the development and delivery of planning policies. You will provide professional advice, guidance, interpretation, and evaluation of pre-planning enquiries, planning applications, and appeals related to biodiversity and ecology. The role involves working collaboratively within a small team to support evidence gathering and policy formulation. The successful postholder is eligible for a Retention Payment of £3,000 (agreed annually) split into two payments once eligible. In return, you will receive a competitive salary, generous leave entitlement, flexible working arrangements, and the opportunity to contribute to a forward-thinking Planning and Development Management Service.

Experience
- Relevant qualification in ecology or a related subject, and/or experience in the field
- Experience dealing with biodiversity and wildlife conservation in relation to Development Management
- Knowledge of wildlife law, policy, and procedures relating to Development Management
- Experience undertaking and interpreting biodiversity net gain assessments, including completion of Defra-based biodiversity metrics
- Strong IT skills including Word, Excel, Access, and specific ecology-related software
- Experience of partnership working and representing ecology and biodiversity to external audiences

About you
- Strong written communication skills to produce clear reports and documentation
- Strong numeracy skills for accurate financial and arithmetical calculations
- Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills
- Excellent team player who contributes to team goals
- Ability to work flexibly, including occasional evenings
- Knowledge of ecosystem services and their interrelationships with other services and departments
- Good understanding of wider sector and external influences

Qualifications
- Membership of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM) is desirable