Senior Ecologist in Hereford

Herefordshire Council is looking to appoint a Senior Ecologist to join our Natural Environment function within the Economy & Environment Directorate. This is a key professional role providing expert ecological advice across the planning system and wider council activity. You will play an important part in protecting and enhancing Herefordshire’s biodiversity, supporting sustainable development, and helping to deliver the council’s ambitions around nature recovery networks and biodiversity net gain.

Responsibilities

• Advising on planning applications, including interpretation of wildlife and habitats legislation and undertaking and recording of Habitats Regulations Assessments
• Providing specialist advice on impacts to designated sites, habitats and species, including consideration of nutrient matters and ecological mitigation
• Supporting Environmental Impact Assessment processes, including screening, scoping and consultant briefs
• Negotiating with applicants, agents and consultees, working closely with Development Management case officers to agree appropriate mitigation, conditions and enhancements
• Preparing reports, statements and written evidence, and attending planning committees, hearings or inquiries as a specialist witness where required
• Providing ecological input to forward planning, policy development and site development briefs
• Undertaking site visits and surveys, including assessment of hedgerows in line with the Hedgerow Regulations
• Supporting enforcement investigations relating to potential breaches of ecological legislation
• Representing the council at meetings, forums and public events, promoting biodiversity and ecological best practice

Qualifications

• A degree (or equivalent) in ecology, nature conservation or a closely related discipline
• Membership of, or active progression towards membership of, a relevant professional body such as CIEEM
• Strong knowledge of wildlife legislation, ecological best practice and how these apply within the planning system
• Experience of providing technical ecological advice, including Habitats Regulations Assessment
• Experience of managing competing priorities, tight deadlines and multiple work streams
• Knowledge of ecological field survey techniques and the statutory protection of trees and hedgerows
• The ability to interpret technical reports, legislation and policy and present clear, balanced advice to a range of audiences
• Strong communication skills and confidence working with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders
• The ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team
• A full driving licence and the ability to travel throughout the county and undertake site visits, including over rough terrain

Commitments and EEO Statements

Those who indicate that they have a disability will be interviewed as part of the “Disability Confident” scheme. Those who indicate in their application that they are an Armed Forces Veteran or Reservist will be interviewed as part of the Armed Forces Covenant pledge. Those who indicate in their application that they are a Herefordshire care leaver will be interviewed as part of the commitment to support young people leaving 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. This position is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service check.

Benefits

A competitive salary, holiday entitlement, and access to our contributory pension and staff benefits scheme, which includes a salary range of £31,067 - £35,235, membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), clear opportunities for professional learning and career development, 31 days’ annual leave (pro rata) plus bank holidays, option to purchase up to 10 additional days, flexible working options, an Employee Assistance Programme, contribution towards professional membership fees (where role‑related), and a wide range of savings and discounts through our employee benefits scheme.