Location
Shire Hall, Gloucester with flexible working including homeworking, office days and site visits across Gloucestershire.

Hours
Full Time

Salary
£37,280 per annum

About the Role
Gloucestershire County Council is seeking an exceptional Ecologist to join a newly created post within the natural and historic environment service. You will provide specialist ecological advice to planning officers and developers throughout the development management process and assist the Lead Ecologist with strategic planning advice. Working as part of a team of Ecologists, you will review pre-application enquiries and planning applications, help shape policy development, and collaborate across the Planning Service to secure the best biodiversity and nature recovery outcomes. This includes developments ranging from schools to large minerals site restoration projects.

The role offers an exciting opportunity to influence local delivery of biodiversity net gain following Gloucestershire’s adoption of its Local Nature Recovery Strategy. You will work closely with upper and lower tier planning authorities to provide guidance on biodiversity net gain, ensuring a consistent county-wide approach that meets Environment Act requirements and addresses local challenges. Additionally, you will advise other Council services, support delivery of the Local Nature Recovery Strategy, and help develop and oversee habitat banks. Collaboration with heritage colleagues will also be key to securing mutual benefits for nature recovery and heritage management.

This is a friendly and supportive team environment in a diverse county rich in important habitats, species and heritage. The role offers a flexible working pattern with a mix of office, home and site-based work.

Experience
Proven experience providing ecological advice within the planning or consultancy sectors. Skilled in undertaking Habitat Regulations Assessments, facilitating baseline ecological surveys and assessments, and developing habitat management, restoration and mitigation strategies aligned with best practice. Familiarity with the Statutory Biodiversity Metric, Biodiversity Gain Plans, and Habitat Management and Monitoring Plans is essential. Practical experience liaising, negotiating and agreeing S106 agreements with landowners, developers and local authorities, and/or conservation covenants is desirable.

About you
You are passionate about biodiversity, local nature recovery and protecting the natural and historic environment. You have excellent communication and negotiation skills and are confident in identifying a range of habitats and species and assessing their ecological significance. You are motivated to make a positive difference and work collaboratively across teams and organisations to achieve the best outcomes for biodiversity.

Qualifications
A degree in Ecology or a related subject is required. Detailed understanding of nature conservation legislation, the land use planning system and biodiversity net gain is essential. You will have a strong knowledge of how to secure biodiversity benefits through the planning system and demonstrate a commitment to delivering nature recovery.