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 at an exciting time as the Kirklees Local Plan is currently being updated. You will have the opportunity to protect and enhance the varied wildlife of West Yorkshire through the conception and delivery of the Local Plan, helping to gather evidence and formulate planning policies for the future.
You will work as part of a small team providing professional advice, guidance, interpretation, and evaluation of pre-planning enquiries, planning applications, and appeals relating to biodiversity and ecology issues. The successful postholder is eligible for a Retention Payment of £3,000 (agreed on a recurring annual basis) split into two separate payments once eligible.
In return, you will receive a competitive salary, generous leave entitlement, flexible working arrangements, and the chance to contribute to a forward-thinking Planning and Development Management Service in Kirklees.

Experience
- Relevant experience in ecology or a related 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
- Excellent written communication skills with the ability to produce clear reports and documentation.
- Strong numeracy skills for accurate financial and arithmetical calculations.
- Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills.
- A committed team player who contributes to team goals.
- Flexible working approach including occasional evenings.
- Knowledge of ecosystem services and their interrelationships with other services and departments.
- Good understanding of wider sector and external influences.

Qualifications
- Relevant qualification in ecology or a related subject and/or equivalent experience.
- Membership of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM) is desirable.