Principal Ecologist in Hereford

About The Role

Are you passionate about protecting nature and shaping how places grow at a strategic level? We’re looking for an experienced and motivated Principal Ecologist to lead our ecological work, drive biodiversity recovery, and ensure sustainable development across Herefordshire. This is a key role where you’ll act as one of the Council’s principal advisers on ecology and Biodiversity Net Gain to Planning Services, influencing decisions at the highest level and helping to respond to the ecological emergency with ambitious, evidence‑based solutions.

What will you be doing?

• Lead and manage a team of ecologists, supporting their professional development and ensuring high‑quality, consistent advice across the service.
• Oversee and co‑ordinate ecological input to planning, including major and complex applications, while shaping strategic approaches to ecological issues.
• Act as one of the Council’s lead technical advisers on ecology, providing expert advice internally and externally, including to Planning, Members, partners and stakeholders.
• Play a central role in delivering biodiversity net gain and wider nature recovery ambitions.
• Represent the Council at planning appeals including hearings, inquiries and public forums acting as an expert witness when required.
• Work collaboratively with internal teams, developers, statutory bodies and environmental partners to conserve and enhance the natural environment across the county.
• Contribute to strategic initiatives, including development of nature recovery and ecological strategies, and support funding and project delivery opportunities.

You’ll also deputise for the Natural Environment Team Leader when required and play an important role in shaping service delivery, performance, and continuous improvement. You will work collaboratively with colleagues across Planning, Environmental and Energy Management, Highways, Parks, and Legal Services, as well as with external partners including Natural England, the Environment Agency and local wildlife organisations.

About You

• A minimum qualification of a BSc (Hons) in Ecology or equivalent.
• Full member of CIEEM or capable of meeting this status.
• Significant demonstrable experience of providing technical advice for Ecology and Habitats Regulations Assessment in relation to major and/or complex planning applications.
• Experience of and/or willingness to lead on assessing the ecological impacts of nutrients of both projects and plans.
• To contribute to developing strategic solutions, working in partnership with other interested parties.
• 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 managing networks; with working knowledge of partnering and contract management.
• Experience of line managing staff.
• Experience of dealing with multiple work streams and working to tight deadlines.
• A full driving licence and the ability to travel throughout the county and undertake site visits, including over rough terrain.

We Offer

• Salary range of £40,778 - £45,092
• 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

Commitments, Covenants and Statutory Obligations

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 committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children & young people and vulnerable adults. If you are offered this position, it will be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service check.

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.