Location
Central London

Hours
Full Time - reasonable additional hours may be required in line with service needs

Salary
£37,236 per annum

About the Role
The Senior Ecologist role is a hybrid position combining nature recovery with planning ecology on a 50:50 basis. This wide-ranging and challenging role involves providing high quality and robust ecological advice for planning applications, enforcement, and appeals. You will support the Principal Ecologist in the implementation and monitoring of Biodiversity Net Gain and drive forward the council’s Nature Recovery Plan. You will liaise with a variety of stakeholders including planning officers, developers, planning agents, ecological consultants, environmental organisations, and councillors to protect and enhance biodiversity and deliver nature recovery in support of the Oxfordshire Local Nature Recovery Strategy. The role requires flexibility to work at various locations and the ability to travel as needed. This post is politically restricted under the Local Government and Housing Act 1989, restricting canvassing activities related to political parties or candidates.

Experience
- A post-graduate degree qualification in a related subject and at least 5 years’ relevant work experience.
- Experience providing ecological advice within a planning context in either the public or private sector.
- Excellent knowledge and experience of statutory Biodiversity Net Gain.
- Strong understanding of relevant legislation and policies, particularly their application to the planning process and natural environment management.
- Good awareness and understanding of Local Nature Recovery Strategies.

About you
- Ability to travel and access to a vehicle for work purposes.
- Full UK Driving Licence.
- Willingness to work reasonable additional hours as required.
- Flexibility to work at other locations to meet business needs.
- Commitment to safeguarding vulnerable adults, young people, and children.
- Understanding of and adherence to safer recruitment practices.

Qualifications
- Post-graduate degree in a relevant ecological or environmental subject.
- Full UK Driving Licence is essential.