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- Tasks: Lead a team to promote ecological conservation and manage natural environments.
- Company: Join Herefordshire Council, a multi-award winning team dedicated to sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 31 days annual leave, flexible working, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on biodiversity and tackle climate change in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in ecology, wildlife regulations, and team management required.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to ecological initiatives and community support.
The predicted salary is between 40778 - 45092 ÂŁ per year.
About The Role
Contract: Permanent
Salary: ÂŁ40,778- ÂŁ45,092
Hours: 37
Location: Hereford
Closing Date: 30/10/2025
Herefordshire Council are seeking a passionate and inspiring Principal Ecologist.
What will you be doing?
Joining a multi-award winning team, including the LGC Environment 2024 and RTPI Excellence award in 2024 you would act as a principal advisor primarily in relation to Ecology and Biodiversity Net Gain matters and your main duties would include:
- Leading a team of technical officers to promote ecological conservation, enhancement and proper management of the wider natural environment, across both council owned estates and the county as a whole.
- Acting as a principal adviser in relation to Ecology and Biodiversity Net Gain, providing technical advice both internally and externally.
- Provision of technical advice to both Planning and the Nutrient Mitigation lead on Ecological matters.
- Providing conservation advice and the development of best practice in relation to these matters.
- Working collaboratively with other teams across the council to address the council’s recently declared Climate and Ecological Emergency.
- Deputising for the Natural Environmental Team Leader in respect of natural environment matters as and when required.
About You
As Principal Ecologist, you will have:
- Detailed knowledge and experience of applying UK and EU wildlife regulation and ecological best practice, supported by a working knowledge of planning policy.
- Experience of providing technical advice for Ecology and Habitats Regulations Assessment in relation to major and/or complex planning applications.
- Act as the lead technical adviser for Ecology, coaching and mentoring the team on technical issues.
- Ability to manage a team of ecologists and to promote the professional development of staff.
- To liaise with colleagues in planning, the wider authority and external bodies including local nature partnerships as well as key stakeholders including Natural England and the Environment Agency.
The Natural Environment Team
In 2019 Herefordshire Council declared a climate emergency and committed to minimising our impact on the environment and aspiring to carbon neutrality by 2030. The scope of this declaration has now been broadened to encompass an ecological emergency, providing an exciting opportunity for the Natural Environment team to lead the way in developing new initiatives across both the council and the wider county through our work with local nature partnerships.
We Offer
- A competitive salary, holiday entitlement, and access to our contributory pension and staff benefits scheme, which includes:
- Salary range of ÂŁ40,698 - ÂŁ45,004
- Enrolment in the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
- Career progression: clear pathways to progress
- Annual Leave: 31 days’ annual leave (pro rata) plus bank holidays. You can also purchase an additional 10 days per annum during the request period
- Flexible working: including the potential for job-sharing, part-time hours and agile working.
- Employee Assistance Programme: 24/7 access to support and counselling
- Payment of professional membership fees (based on role requirements)
- Pick your perks – our benefits include access to a range of retail, leisure, holiday and health benefits. This includes savings, cash back and discounts.
Why Choose Us?
Herefordshire is big hearted, welcoming and friendly. We have strong and independent communities and idyllic countryside, situated in the South West Midlands and bordering Wales.
Commitments, Covenants and Statutory Obligations
The following candidates will be interviewed if they meet the essential criteria for the post they are applying for:
- Those who indicate that they have a disability. This is part of our commitment to the “Disability Confident” scheme.
- Those who indicate in their application that they are an Armed Forces Veteran or Reservist. This is part of our pledge to support the Armed Forces Covenant.
- Those who indicate in their application that they are a Herefordshire care leaver. This is part of our commitment to supporting young people leaving our care.
We take our commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults seriously and expect all of our staff, visitors and volunteers to share in this commitment.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all sections of the community. Herefordshire Council is committed to strengthening a diverse and inclusive work environment which reflects the communities of Herefordshire.
Principal Ecologist in Hereford employer: Herefordshire Council
Contact Detail:
Herefordshire Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Ecologist in Hereford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the ecology field, attend local events, and join relevant online groups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Herefordshire Council's recent initiatives on climate and ecological emergencies. Show us that you're not just passionate about ecology but also aligned with our goals and values.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience with UK and EU wildlife regulations makes you the perfect fit for the Principal Ecologist role. We want to hear how you can lead our team to success.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our amazing team at Herefordshire Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Ecologist in Hereford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for ecology and biodiversity shine through. We want to see that you’re not just qualified, but genuinely excited about making a difference in the natural environment.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in ecology and planning policy. We’re looking for specific examples of how you’ve applied your knowledge in real-world situations, so don’t hold back on those details!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key skills and experiences are easy to spot. Remember, less is often more!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure it gets to us directly and helps us keep track of all applications efficiently. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Herefordshire Council
✨Know Your Ecology Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on UK and EU wildlife regulations and ecological best practices. Be ready to discuss how you've applied this knowledge in past roles, especially in relation to planning policy and biodiversity net gain.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Principal Ecologist, you'll be leading a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, focusing on coaching and mentoring. Highlight any specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to inspire and develop others.
✨Collaborate Like a Pro
This role involves working with various teams and stakeholders. Think of instances where you've collaborated effectively with other departments or external bodies. Be ready to explain how you can foster these relationships to tackle ecological challenges.
✨Passion for the Environment
Herefordshire Council is committed to addressing climate and ecological emergencies. Share your passion for environmental conservation and any initiatives you've been involved in. This will show your alignment with the council's values and mission.