Location
Council Offices, Southfield Road, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE11 2TX

Hours
Full Time, Hybrid Working Pattern: 1 Day Per Week Office Based, 4 Days Per Week Remote

Salary
£60.00 per hour (Umbrella)

About the Role
Charnwood Borough Council is seeking an experienced Senior Ecologist on a 3-month contract to provide expert ecological guidance and support across planning, development, conservation, and environmental initiatives. This role primarily operates remotely with one day per week at the Council Offices in Loughborough. As the Council's ecological authority, you will offer specialist advice on ecological issues, biodiversity needs, habitat conservation, and planning applications. This is a unique opportunity to contribute significantly to sustainable development while protecting and enhancing biodiversity throughout the Borough. Key responsibilities include advising Planning Officers, Councillors, and other Council services; evaluating planning applications and ecological reports; guiding on biodiversity and habitat conservation; supporting statutory ecological obligations; advising on Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG); reviewing ecological impact assessments; and collaborating with developers, consultants, statutory agencies, and internal stakeholders. You will also contribute to ecological monitoring, policy development, and service improvements as required.

Experience
Degree in Ecology, Environmental Science, Conservation, or a related field. Extensive experience in an ecology role within Local Government, consultancy, or a related setting. Proven knowledge of ecology and biodiversity, protected species legislation, habitat regulations, Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), and planning and environmental legislation. Experience reviewing ecological reports and environmental assessments. Demonstrated ability to provide ecological advice within the planning process. Excellent report-writing and communication skills. Strong stakeholder engagement and advisory skills. Ability to work independently and manage priorities effectively.

About you
Professional, knowledgeable, and proactive with a commitment to biodiversity and sustainable development. Strong advisory and communication skills to effectively liaise with multiple stakeholders. Able to work autonomously while contributing to team goals. Enthusiastic about supporting environmental and biodiversity initiatives within a local government context.

Qualifications
Degree in a relevant ecological or environmental discipline. Desirable: Full membership of CIEEM, Protected Species Licences, experience in Local Authority planning and development, experience supporting Biodiversity Action Plans and environmental strategies, and knowledge of current biodiversity and planning policy requirements.