At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide ecological advice to protect and enhance Herefordshire’s biodiversity.
- Company: Herefordshire Council, dedicated to sustainable development and nature recovery.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, flexible working, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a supportive team committed to safeguarding vulnerable communities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on biodiversity while collaborating with passionate professionals.
- Qualifications: Degree in ecology or related field; experience in ecological advice and legislation.
The predicted salary is between 32061 - 36363 £ per year.
Herefordshire Council seeks to appoint a Planning Ecologist to join the Natural Environment function within the Economy & Environment Directorate. This key professional role provides ecological advice across the planning system and wider council activity, 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:
- Review planning applications, including interpretation of wildlife and habitats legislation.
- Undertake Habitats Regulations Assessments (HRA).
- Review biodiversity net gain (BNG) proposals and biodiversity gain conditions.
- Assess development proposal compliance with Nutrient Neutrality.
- Negotiate with applicants, agents, and consultees, working closely with Development Management Case Officers to agree appropriate mitigation and planning conditions.
- Provide ecological input to council nature policy development.
- Undertake site visits and ecological surveys, including monitoring BNG sites.
- Support the enforcement team relating to potential breaches of legislation/conditions.
- Represent the council at meetings, forums and public events, promoting biodiversity.
- Collaborate with colleagues across Planning, Sustainability and Climate Change, Highways, Parks and Legal Services, and with external partners including Natural England, the Environment Agency and local wildlife organisations.
Qualifications:
- A degree (or equivalent) in ecology, nature conservation or a closely related discipline.
- Membership of, or active progression toward membership of, a relevant professional body such as CIEEM.
- 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 and biodiversity net gain.
- Knowledge of ecological field survey techniques.
- 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.
- Share the council’s commitment to safeguarding children, young people and adults with care and support needs.
Benefits:
- Salary range of £32,061 – £36,363.
- 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, with the option to purchase up to 10 additional days.
- Flexible working options, including agile working arrangements.
- Employee Assistance Programme with 24/7 access to support.
- Contribution towards professional membership fees (where role‑related).
- A wide range of savings and discounts through the employee benefits scheme.
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. If you are offered this position, it will be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service check.
Planning Ecologist in Hereford employer: Hoople Group
Herefordshire Council is an exceptional employer for those passionate about ecology and environmental conservation, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises professional development and collaboration. With a competitive salary range, generous annual leave, and flexible working options, employees can thrive while contributing to the council's vital mission of enhancing biodiversity and sustainable development in the community. The role of Planning Ecologist provides unique opportunities to engage with various stakeholders and make a meaningful impact on local nature recovery initiatives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Planning Ecologist in Hereford
✨Get Involved in Local Environmental Initiatives
Dive into your local environmental scenes, like community clean-up projects or eco-focused events. Not only will you meet like-minded people, but it's a surefire way to showcase your passion and skills in environmental engineering tech.
✨Join Industry-Specific Organisations
Check out organisations like the Institution of Environmental Engineers for networking opportunities and resources. They often host events and seminars that can help us connect with key players in the industry, including potential employers like Hoople Group.
✨Show Off Your Projects and Passion
Create a portfolio that highlights any relevant projects, whether it's coursework, internships, or personal initiatives. Share this online, perhaps even on platforms like GitHub or your own website, to grab the attention of hiring managers looking for talent like us.
✨Utilise Environmental Job Boards
Take advantage of niche job boards dedicated to environmental careers. Sites like Green Jobs, Environmental Career and EcoJobs often feature openings from companies like Hoople Group and can help us land that full-time gig.
We think you need these skills to ace Planning Ecologist in Hereford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for a role in environmental engineering tech, make sure to highlight your technical skills like CAD software proficiency, data analysis, or modelling techniques. These are essential for the job and should stand out in your CV and cover letter, showing how you can contribute to projects at Hoople Group.
Demonstrate Your Passion for Sustainability:In this field, showcasing your passion for sustainability and environmental protection can set you apart. Include any relevant projects, volunteer experience, or courses that underline your commitment to these causes. Hoople Group will appreciate candidates who genuinely care about making a difference.
Tailor Your Application to the Role:Don't just send a generic CV and cover letter. Make sure to tailor your application to the specific role of Planning Ecologist at Hoople Group. Highlight experiences that align directly with the job description and give concrete examples of your work to demonstrate that you’re the right fit for a full-time position.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have certifications related to environmental engineering or technology, like LEED Accreditation or any relevant software certifications, make sure to mention them. These qualifications can boost your application and show that you’re serious about your professional development in this competitive field.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hoople Group
✨Brush Up on Environmental Regulations
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest environmental regulations and standards. In an environmental engineering tech role at Hoople Group, you might be asked specific questions about compliance measures, so understanding these will definitely give you an edge.
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Prepare to demonstrate your proficiency with relevant tools and software, such as AutoCAD or GIS. You might be given a practical problem to solve during the interview, so it’s a great idea to brush up on these skills and perhaps even bring a portfolio of your projects to showcase your technical prowess.
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sustainability
In a full-time role, employers are looking for commitment and enthusiasm. Share your experiences, studies, or projects that reflect your passion for environmental sustainability. This will show Hoople Group that you're not just qualified but genuinely invested in the field.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Be ready for behavioural questions that assess how you handle teamwork, conflict, and project management. Think of examples from your studies or practical experiences where you tackled challenges effectively, showcasing both your technical and interpersonal skills.
