At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide ecological advice and support biodiversity in planning applications.
- Company: Herefordshire Council, dedicated to enhancing the natural environment.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, generous leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a supportive team committed to safeguarding vulnerable communities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in protecting Herefordshire’s biodiversity and sustainable development.
- Qualifications: Degree in ecology or related field, with strong communication and ecological assessment skills.
The predicted salary is between 32061 - 36363 £ per year.
Herefordshire Council is looking to appoint a Planning Ecologist to join our Natural Environment function within the Economy & Environment Directorate. This is a key professional role providing 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.
What will you be doing?
- Providing robust, proportionate ecological advice to internal colleagues and external stakeholders, primarily as consultee to planning applications, ranging from major development to small householder applications.
- Reviewing planning applications, including interpretation of wildlife and habitats legislation.
- Undertaking Habitats Regulations Assessments (HRA).
- Reviewing biodiversity net gain (BNG) proposals and biodiversity gain conditions.
- Assessing development proposal compliance with Nutrient Neutrality.
- Negotiating with applicants, agents, and consultees, working closely with Development Management Case Officers to agree appropriate mitigation and planning conditions.
- Providing ecological input to council nature policy development.
- Undertaking site visits and ecological surveys, including monitoring BNG sites.
- Supporting enforcement team relating to potential breaches of legislation/conditions.
- Representing the council at meetings, forums and public events, promoting biodiversity.
You will work collaboratively with colleagues across Planning, Sustainability and Climate Change, Highways, Parks and Legal Services, as well as with external partners including Natural England, the Environment Agency and local wildlife organisations.
About You
- 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.
- 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.
You will also share our commitment to safeguarding children, young people and adults with care and support needs.
We Offer
- 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 our employee benefits scheme.
If you require reasonable adjustments, please contact the recruitment team.
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 Ltd
Herefordshire Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises professional development and employee well-being. As a Planning Ecologist, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on biodiversity and sustainable development in a picturesque location, with benefits such as flexible working options, generous annual leave, and contributions towards professional memberships, all while being part of a dedicated team committed to safeguarding the environment and community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Planning Ecologist in Hereford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the ecology and planning sectors through LinkedIn or local events. Building connections can lead to insider info about job openings and even referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of wildlife legislation and ecological best practices. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to Herefordshire’s biodiversity goals and demonstrate your passion for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills with a portfolio! If you've done any ecological surveys or assessments, compile them into a neat presentation. This will help you stand out and give potential employers a taste of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Planning Ecologist in Hereford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Planning Ecologist. We want to see how you can contribute to protecting Herefordshire’s biodiversity!
Showcase Your Knowledge:Demonstrate your understanding of wildlife legislation and ecological best practices in your written application. We’re looking for someone who can provide robust ecological advice, so let that shine through!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to explain your qualifications and experiences, making it easy for us to see why you’re a great fit for the team.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity as a Planning Ecologist.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hoople Ltd
✨Know Your Ecology
Brush up on your knowledge of wildlife legislation and ecological best practices. Be prepared to discuss how these apply within the planning system, as this will show your understanding of the role and its responsibilities.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions about Habitats Regulations Assessments and biodiversity net gain. Review case studies or examples from your past experience where you provided technical ecological advice, as this will demonstrate your expertise.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since you'll be working with a variety of stakeholders, practice explaining complex ecological concepts in simple terms. This will help you convey your ideas clearly during the interview and highlight your strong communication skills.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork and Independence
Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully worked both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team. This will illustrate your versatility and ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues across different departments.
