Location
Central London

Hours
Full Time (hours not specified)

Salary
£38,649 per annum

About the Role
An exciting new role has been created to help deliver East Hampshire District Council’s duty to secure Biodiversity Net Gain through development. You will be part of the Council’s Heritage, Arboriculture and Ecology Team, working alongside and supporting the Principal Ecologist. The role involves assisting the Development Management and Planning Policy teams by providing specialist ecological advice to planners, ensuring ecological matters are given due weight in the planning process and that decisions are fully informed by your expertise.

The core responsibilities include supporting the team’s development management casework by prioritising responses to planning applications, reviewing Biodiversity Net Gain assessments, contributing to planning policy document preparation, and supporting the monitoring of biodiversity net gain obligations secured through the planning process.

East Hampshire’s natural environment supports a wealth of wildlife, including nationally and internationally recognised sites such as the Wealden Heaths Phase II Special Protection Area and the only site in the country supporting all 12 native amphibian and reptile species. Nearly 60% of the District lies within the South Downs National Park, featuring iconic hanger woodlands, chalk streams, and flower-rich chalk grasslands.

We are seeking an enthusiastic and self-motivated individual to support the Principal Ecologist in delivering a forward-thinking ecological and biodiversity service. This role offers the opportunity to make a real difference through a diverse and varied workload, working collaboratively with colleagues, councillors, residents, and partners.

Experience
Proven track record of working within the ecology or biodiversity sector. Experience in assessing ecological implications of development proposals and ecological surveying is essential. Knowledge of terrestrial biodiversity, species, habitats, and designated sites within the UK context is required.

Understanding of scientific methods, interpretation of ecological data, and evidence-based reporting is necessary.

About you
Enthusiastic, motivated, and passionate about protecting and enhancing the natural environment. Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to respond confidently in a variety of situations. Able to work effectively with a range of stakeholders including colleagues, councillors, residents, and partners.

Qualifications
Relevant qualifications in ecology, environmental science, or a related discipline are expected to support the knowledge and experience requirements of the role.