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 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) and protected species and habitats. You will provide specialist planning advice from pre-application stage through to discharge of conditions and join us at an exciting time as we begin site monitoring for compliance on BNG sites across the counties.

Your work will include linking BNG with new “opportunity areas” identified and mapped in our Local Nature Recovery Strategy. You will also help develop recording processes for BNG data and newly created, restored, and enhanced habitats in collaboration with our in-house Local Records Centre (LRERC).

This is an excellent opportunity for ecologists early in their career or with some experience to join our expanding Ecology and Biodiversity Team. Together, we aim to make a significant positive impact on the quality and connectivity of the natural environment across Leicestershire and Rutland.

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

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

About you
- Commitment to equal opportunities and the ability to apply this in all situations.
- Enthusiastic about contributing to the enhancement and connectivity of the natural environment.
- Willingness to work collaboratively within a growing team.
- Strong communication skills and ability to engage with a range of stakeholders.

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