At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide expert ecological advice and support biodiversity initiatives in Herefordshire.
- Company: Herefordshire Council, committed to protecting the natural environment.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, flexible working, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team with clear pathways for career growth and professional learning.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in biodiversity and sustainable development while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Degree in ecology or related field, strong knowledge of wildlife legislation, and excellent communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 31067 - 35235 € per year.
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 the 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
Benefits
- 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, 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
Senior Pathway to Professional & U21s Coach (U16-U21) in Hereford employer: Hoople Ltd
Herefordshire Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With a commitment to biodiversity and sustainable development, employees in the Senior Ecologist role benefit from flexible working options, generous annual leave, and opportunities for continuous learning, all while making a meaningful impact on the local environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Pathway to Professional & U21s Coach (U16-U21) in Hereford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. 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 the company and role thoroughly. Understand their values and recent projects, so you can tailor your answers and show them you're genuinely interested in what they do.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or family to get comfortable with common questions. This will help you articulate your thoughts clearly and confidently when it’s your turn in the hot seat.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for you, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Pathway to Professional & U21s Coach (U16-U21) in Hereford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Senior Ecologist role. Highlight your relevant experience in ecological advice and planning applications, and show us how you can contribute to Herefordshire's biodiversity goals.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t just list your qualifications; demonstrate how your skills align with the job description. Talk about your experience with Habitats Regulations Assessments and your ability to negotiate effectively with stakeholders.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We want to see your expertise, but we also appreciate a well-structured and easy-to-read application.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people and shows us you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hoople Ltd
✨Know Your Ecology Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of wildlife legislation and ecological best practices. Be ready to discuss how these apply within the planning system, as this will show your expertise and confidence in the field.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions about Habitats Regulations Assessments and Environmental Impact Assessments. Practise explaining these concepts clearly, as you'll need to demonstrate your ability to provide technical ecological advice effectively.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since you'll be working with a variety of stakeholders, it's crucial to highlight your strong communication skills. Think of examples where you've successfully negotiated or collaborated with others, and be ready to share those stories.
✨Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Abilities
Be prepared to discuss how you've managed competing priorities and tight deadlines in the past. Share specific examples that showcase your ability to handle multiple work streams while still delivering high-quality results.
