Location
County Hall, Leicester, LE3 8RA (Hybrid worker)

Hours
37 hours per week

Salary
Grade 9 - Grade 11 £32,070 - £42,699 per annum (pro rata for part-time)

About the Role
We are seeking two Planning Ecologists to join our expanding Ecology and Biodiversity Team at Leicestershire County Council. You will provide expert advice on ecology and biodiversity matters to our Local Planning Authority partners throughout Leicestershire and Rutland, focusing on statutory Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), protected species, and habitats. The role involves offering specialist planning advice from pre-application stage through to discharge of conditions, alongside participating in our new site monitoring for BNG compliance programme across the counties.

You will also work on linking BNG with new “opportunity areas” identified in our Local Nature Recovery Strategy and help develop recording processes for BNG data and habitats in collaboration with our in-house Local Records Centre (LRERC). This is an exciting opportunity for ecologists early in their career or with some experience to make a real difference in improving the quality and connectivity of the natural environment in Leicestershire and Rutland.

We support flexible working arrangements to help balance your work and personal life, including options such as part-time hours, compressed hours, flexible start and finish times, and home/remote working, where possible.

Experience
- Ability to produce professional work relating to the natural environment, working effectively as part of a team and meeting deadlines.
- Experience of carrying out ecological field survey work.
- Experience working within or with the public sector is desirable.
- Ability to offer expert advice to stakeholders or clients on complex ecological or planning ecological matters.

About you
- Commitment to equal opportunities and ability to apply this in all situations.
- Strong knowledge of ecological survey methods and requirements for species and habitats relevant to the planning system.
- Understanding of Biodiversity Net Gain legislation, policy, and practice.
- Enthusiastic about contributing to improving biodiversity and natural environment connectivity.
- Willingness to work flexibly and collaboratively within a growing team.

Qualifications
- A degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant environmental or biological subject; OR
- Currently working towards a degree or equivalent in an environmental or biological subject with demonstrable ecological field survey experience.