Location
Town Hall, Weston-super-Mare, Somerset BS23 1UJ
Hours
Full Time - 37 hours per week
Salary
£42,839 per annum
About the Role
Join North Somerset Council as a Principal Ecologist and lead a small ecology team responsible for managing council-owned trees, rights of way networks, and delivering the Green Infrastructure Strategy. Your primary focus will be prioritising responses to planning applications, including Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), compiling detailed reports such as Habitat Regulation Assessments, and providing expert planning advice. You will support the Nature Park initiative and biodiversity projects on council-owned land. The role involves leading advice for the emerging Local Plan, developing supplementary planning guidance, collaborating on nature recovery networks, delivering the Local Nature Recovery Strategy, and exploring wetland restoration opportunities. You will engage with colleagues and partners across the West of England and contribute to projects aimed at protecting greater and lesser horseshoe bats through strategic mitigation habitat creation. This position includes managing the Ecology Team and supporting the delivery of the Natural Environment Team Plan and Green Infrastructure Strategy, with a strong emphasis on providing professional ecological advice to the Development Management Planning service and applicants. You will provide technical support for complex cases and act as a role model for best practice. The council actively supports ongoing professional development in line with CIEEM standards, including experience development for species licensing. A valid driving licence and own transport (or suitable alternative) are required for this role.
Experience
- Professional vocational qualification or equivalent experience at level 6 or above relevant to Ecology and the Natural Environment field
- Understanding of ecological planning issues
- Experience undertaking Habitat Regulations Assessments
- Experience with Phase 1 Extended Ecological Surveys and UK Habitat Mapping and Classification
- Good understanding of protected species, particularly bats
- Broad working knowledge of wildlife legislation and policy to protect and enhance biodiversity
- Ability to manage and organise own work and that of colleagues to meet agreed deadlines
About you
Organised and proactive leader with strong ecological expertise and excellent communication skills. Able to collaborate effectively with internal teams and external partners to deliver strategic environmental projects and planning advice. Committed to professional development and best practice in ecology.
Qualifications
Membership of CIEEM (Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management) or eligibility for membership is essential.
