At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team as a senior ecologist, managing urban and rural development projects.
- Company: Charnwood Borough Council is dedicated to enhancing biodiversity and community well-being.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, hybrid working, professional development, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a vital mission to protect nature while advancing your career in a dynamic team.
- Qualifications: A degree or diploma in ecology with significant practical experience is required.
- Other info: We promote diversity and inclusivity, offering a Disability Confident culture and support for all employees.
The predicted salary is between 26500 - 36000 £ per year.
M528
Grade E- PO1 Career Grade £31,537 to £42,839
Full time 37 hours a week
The Opportunity
We have an exciting opportunity for a senior ecologist to join the expanding Natural and Built Environment Team at Charnwood. This is a full time permanent role with hybrid working. We are seeking an experienced ecologist who understands the planning system.
You will be working for a planning authority spanning 4 national character areas, managing development in both urban and rural areas, from the smallest through to multi-phase urban extensions. You will provide specialist planning advice from pre-application stage through to discharge of conditions, and monitoring net gain. You will ensure that the Council is implementing the duties under the Environment Act 2021 and will be liaising with a wide range of stakeholders including planning officers, developers, planning agents, ecological consultants, environmental organisations and councillors to protect and enhance biodiversity and to deliver nature recovery.
This is an exciting time to be joining the Borough Council as the Council has commenced preparation of the Biodiversity Strategy and Biodiversity Supplementary Planning Document.
The post is a career graded post and there is the opportunity to progress your career within the post in a supportive environment.
About You:
- You will have a Degree of Diploma in a relevant discipline
- You will have significant ecology experience
- You will have practical experience in the protection and enhancement of ecology.
What we offer
There are many benefits to working with us. The Council offers generous annual leave of between 23 and 28 days of leave plus bank holidays; agile working for many roles; opportunities for professional development linked to many roles and access to the Local Government Pension Scheme.
The Council strongly believes a diverse and inclusive workforce helps make our services better. We value the individual strengths of each colleague and the potential they bring.
We are a Disability Confident Employer and strive to promote a disability confident culture. To find out more about our Disability Confident commitments including reasonable adjustments and the guaranteed interview scheme please click here.
We have also signed the Armed Forces Covenant (AFC) and have achieved the AFC’s Employer Recognition Gold Award.
Colleagues are also actively engaged through our Staff Forum and groups such as our Health and Wellbeing Group and Equality Working Group.
Find out more about this role and who we are by visiting www.charnwood.gov.uk/jobs
How to Apply
Applications can be submitted online via the Charnwood Borough Council website
Closing date: 8th September 2025
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Ecologist - Charnwood Borough Council employer: Charnwood Borough Council
Contact Detail:
Charnwood Borough Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Ecologist - Charnwood Borough Council
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Environment Act 2021 and its implications for local planning. Understanding how this legislation affects biodiversity and ecological assessments will give you a significant edge in discussions with stakeholders.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field of ecology and local government. Attend relevant workshops, seminars, or webinars to connect with others who may provide insights or even referrals for the position at Charnwood Borough Council.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on current ecological issues and trends, particularly those affecting urban and rural development. Being knowledgeable about recent case studies or successful projects can help you demonstrate your expertise during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your practical experience in ecology, especially any specific projects where you've successfully enhanced biodiversity. Real-life examples will showcase your skills and commitment to the role, making you a more compelling candidate.
We think you need these skills to ace Ecologist - Charnwood Borough Council
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and requirements of the Ecologist position. Highlight your relevant experience in ecology and planning systems in your application.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect your qualifications, particularly your degree or diploma in a relevant discipline and significant ecology experience. Emphasise practical experiences that align with the role's focus on biodiversity and ecological enhancement.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for ecology and your understanding of the planning system. Mention specific examples of how you've contributed to biodiversity projects or worked with stakeholders in previous roles.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, make sure to highlight skills that are pertinent to the role, such as stakeholder engagement, project management, and knowledge of environmental legislation like the Environment Act 2021.
How to prepare for a job interview at Charnwood Borough Council
✨Understand the Planning System
Make sure you have a solid grasp of the planning system, especially as it relates to ecology. Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with managing development in both urban and rural settings.
✨Showcase Your Ecological Experience
Highlight your significant ecology experience during the interview. Be ready to provide specific examples of how you've protected and enhanced ecological systems in previous roles.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Current Legislation
Brush up on the Environment Act 2021 and other relevant legislation. Demonstrating your knowledge of these laws will show that you are well-prepared for the responsibilities of the role.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Prepare to discuss how you would liaise with various stakeholders, such as planning officers and developers. Think of examples where you've successfully collaborated with different parties to achieve ecological goals.