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- Tasks: Provide ecological advice on planning applications and support biodiversity initiatives.
- Company: Join Wakefield Council's friendly and professional Planning Policy and Environment team.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, generous holidays, training opportunities, and employee discounts.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on biodiversity and help shape the future of our environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in Ecology or related field, knowledge of British flora and fauna.
- Other info: Supportive work culture with excellent career growth and well-being initiatives.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Wakefield Council has an exciting opportunity for an ecologist to join our friendly, professional Planning Policy and Environment team to provide advice on biodiversity and ecology issues in planning. The Council adopted the Wakefield District Local Plan and Biodiversity Net Gain Supplementary Planning Document in 2024, which provide strong planning policies for environmental protection and enhancement. The Council also has a well established approach to biodiversity net gain assessment and monitoring. We are also working to progress local habitat banks and support the delivery of the emerging Local Nature Recovery Strategy in West Yorkshire. This position will be an integral part of our highly successful Planning Service.
Responsibilities:
- Providing expert ecological advice and guidance on planning applications to ensure the protection and enhancement of our natural environment.
- Assessing ecological reports for planning applications, offering insightful feedback, and negotiating with developers to ensure compliance with relevant regulations.
- Supporting the implementation of biodiversity net gain policies and processes in planning, including monitoring and reporting.
- Collaborating with the Council's Countryside and Greenspace Service to align efforts in achieving biodiversity net gain and nature recovery goals.
Requirements:
- Hold or be working towards an undergraduate degree in Ecology or a related field.
- Possess student membership of a relevant professional institute as a minimum.
- Knowledge of British flora and fauna, and the full breadth of associated habitats and ecosystems.
- Experience in assessing ecological reports for planning applications, or can demonstrate an equivalent level of theoretical, technical and procedural knowledge gained through study and/or volunteering.
- Possession of a full driving licence.
- Experience of using the Defra Biodiversity Net Gain Metric is desirable.
Why Choose Wakefield Council?
- Flexible full-time working pattern of 37 hours per week.
- Generous holiday package.
- Support and access to high-quality training programs to help you progress in your career.
- Commitment to staff well-being, including work/life balance, supportive leadership, and workplace support.
- Access to a range of employee support products.
- Discounts and subsidies for public transport, including Arriva Bus Annual Travel Ticket, Northern Trains Limited (NTL), and MetroCard.
- Participation in the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
- Excellent benefits package, including discounted membership to our state-of-the-art leisure facilities, free 12-week exercise program with a dedicated personal trainer, discounts for various retail, entertainment, health, and leisure providers, cycle-to-work scheme, and more.
If you would like to know more about the role, the recruitment process or working for Wakefield Council feel free to contact Morgan Stringer. Tel: 07776 512403 E-mail: morganstringer@wakefield.gov.uk
Planning Ecologist (Full Time) in Wakefield employer: Environmentjournal
Contact Detail:
Environmentjournal Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Planning Ecologist (Full Time) in Wakefield
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with professionals in the ecology and planning sectors. Attend local events, join online forums, or even hit up social media groups. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Planning Ecologist role!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your experience with ecological assessments and biodiversity projects. When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, having tangible examples of your work can really set you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job openings to pop up. Reach out directly to Wakefield Council or other organisations you’re interested in. Express your enthusiasm for their work in biodiversity and ecology, and who knows? They might have opportunities that aren’t advertised yet!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it super easy for you to submit your application. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in working with us at Wakefield Council. So, don’t hesitate – get your application in and let’s make a difference together!
We think you need these skills to ace Planning Ecologist (Full Time) in Wakefield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Planning Ecologist role. Highlight your relevant experience in ecology and any specific projects you've worked on that relate to biodiversity and planning. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about ecology and how you can contribute to our team at Wakefield Council. Be sure to mention any experience with biodiversity net gain or ecological assessments.
Showcase Your Knowledge: Demonstrate your understanding of British flora and fauna, as well as relevant regulations and policies. We love seeing candidates who are knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the natural environment and its protection!
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you'll find all the details you need about the role and our team there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Environmentjournal
✨Know Your Ecology
Brush up on your knowledge of British flora and fauna, as well as the habitats and ecosystems relevant to the role. Be prepared to discuss specific examples from your studies or experiences that demonstrate your understanding of biodiversity and ecological principles.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Policies
Make sure you’re well-versed in the Wakefield District Local Plan and the Biodiversity Net Gain Supplementary Planning Document. Understanding these documents will help you articulate how you can contribute to the Council's goals during the interview.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Think about potential scenarios you might face as a Planning Ecologist, such as assessing ecological reports or negotiating with developers. Prepare to discuss how you would approach these situations, showcasing your problem-solving skills and technical knowledge.
✨Show Your Collaborative Spirit
Since this role involves working closely with the Countryside and Greenspace Service, be ready to talk about your teamwork experiences. Highlight any collaborative projects you've been involved in, especially those related to biodiversity or environmental recovery.