At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape the future of ecology and planning, ensuring sustainable growth and biodiversity gains.
- Company: Join the ambitious City of Doncaster Council, focused on improving residents' lives.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive leave, a generous pension scheme, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Exciting practical conservation projects and excellent career development opportunities await.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on nature conservation and community resilience for future generations.
- Qualifications: Strong knowledge of UK habitats, ecological reports, and environmental legislation required.
The predicted salary is between 34434 - 38221 £ per year.
There’s never been a more exciting time to join Doncaster Council. The City of Doncaster Council is a confident, ambitious organisation which puts improving the life of its residents at the centre of everything we do.
Are you an experienced ecologist working in ecological consultancy and looking for a better work-life balance? Or an existing Planning Ecologist looking for a change and new challenges? Do you want the opportunity to make a real impact at a strategic level? Join our forward-thinking Planning Service and play a key role in delivering meaningful biodiversity gains, influencing development, and embedding nature into the heart of place-making.
This is an exciting opportunity to work at the interface of ecology and planning—helping ensure sustainable growth while enhancing the natural environment for current and future generations. You have an opportunity to be part of this as a Senior Ecologist Planner working in the Council’s Planning Department.
We are looking for the right individual to be part of a small busy team. You will act as a key consultee on planning applications and provide expert ecological advice on a wide range of developments, from small residential schemes to major strategic projects ensuring robust decision-making and policy compliance.
You will also support the Principal Ecologist, Principal Biodiversity Officer and work of the Local Record Centre in delivery of a wide range of environmental projects including biodiversity net gain, environmental monitoring (including bioacoustics), habitat conservation and species recovery work aiming to support the delivery of the Local Nature Recovery Strategy and the Council’s Biodiversity Duty.
If you have a passion for fieldwork, we can put those skills to use with a varied role that sees you out on site as well as in the office. We have a range of exciting practical conservation projects in the pipeline and are looking for an individual that is keen to be part of their development.
As the Council’s Ecologist, you will need to have strong knowledge of UK habitats, habitat management, best practice in protected species surveys, environmental legislation and planning policy. You will need to be confident in interpreting ecological reports and robustly applying them to planning decisions. You will also have a thorough understanding of biodiversity net gain and be keen to assist in the delivery of exciting new habitat bank projects.
The role requires a strong communicator, able to influence a wide range of stakeholders, from elected members to farmers, landowners and members of the public. You will be both organised and proactive to be able to manage competing priorities.
This is more than just a job—it’s an opportunity to shape how nature is protected and enhanced for future generations. If you’re ready to use your expertise to create greener, more resilient communities, we’d love to hear from you.
We are very supportive of flexible working options including part-time working, job share, compressed hours and hybrid working. We also operate a Flexitime system which allows employees to vary their working hours within specific limits from day to day, subject to the needs of the service. As such, if you are the right candidate for the role then we are more than happy to discuss and explore what flexibilities may be required to support a great work-life balance were you to be successfully appointed to post.
In return for your contribution, we offer:
- Competitive leave entitlement
- Generous local government pension scheme
- Wellbeing support and staff networks
- Development and training opportunities
- Staff discounts and benefits schemes
More information on benefits can be found in the attached benefits booklet.
Shortlisting will take place week commencing 21st September 2026 and it is anticipated that interviews will be held on Monday 28th September 2026.
For further details or an informal chat please contact: Dr Helen Markland, Principal Ecologist, Tel 01302 734 924, Helen.Markland@doncaster.gov.uk or, Jonathan Clarke, Planning Policy & Environment Manager, Tel: 01302 735 316, Jonathan.Clarke1@doncaster.gov.uk
Senior Ecologist Planner (CDC) in Doncaster employer: Kirklees Metropolitan Council
Joining the City of Doncaster Council as a Senior Ecologist Planner offers you the chance to work in a dynamic and supportive environment dedicated to enhancing the lives of residents through sustainable development. With a strong emphasis on work-life balance, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional growth, you will play a vital role in shaping ecological strategies that benefit both the community and the natural environment. Our commitment to employee wellbeing, competitive benefits, and a collaborative culture makes us an exceptional employer for those passionate about making a meaningful impact.
Contact Details:
Kirklees Metropolitan Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Ecologist Planner (CDC) in Doncaster
✨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 Kirklees Metropolitan Council.
✨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 Kirklees Metropolitan Council and can help us land that full-time gig.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Ecologist Planner (CDC) in Doncaster
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 Kirklees Metropolitan Council.
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. Kirklees Metropolitan Council 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 Senior Ecologist Planner (CDC) at Kirklees Metropolitan Council. 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 Kirklees Metropolitan Council
✨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 Kirklees Metropolitan Council, 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 Kirklees Metropolitan Council 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.
