At a Glance
- Tasks: Protect and enhance the natural environment while advising on ecological planning.
- Company: Milton Keynes City Council, dedicated to creating cleaner, safer communities.
- Benefits: 28 days annual leave, excellent pension, health cash plan, and discounts.
- Other info: Supportive work culture with opportunities for growth and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on biodiversity and shape the future of our city.
- Qualifications: Degree in natural or environmental science and experience in ecological planning.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
We’re recruiting an Ecology Officer to join our Environment and Waste team. You’ll play an important part in helping us protect and enhance the natural environment across Milton Keynes. Our team works closely with colleagues across planning, development and environmental services, contributing to how our city grows while safeguarding habitats and species.
At Milton Keynes City Council, we act as one council and stay focused on making a difference for our communities. We’re dedicated, respectful and collaborative, and we work hard to create cleaner, safer and healthier places for everyone. This rewarding role is ideal for someone with strong ecological knowledge who wants to shape development, influence environmental outcomes and support our long‑term plans for nature recovery.
This is a fixed term position - 2 years. This role may be suitable for home working, following an assessment. Home‑based roles require a minimum of one day per week working from the office or site. Interviews for this role will be held on 5th October 2026.
Provide expert ecological advice on planning applications at each stage of the process.
- Assess the impact of major developments and recommend practical solutions that protect biodiversity.
- Advise specifically on minerals, waste, infrastructure and school development proposals.
- Review biodiversity net gain assessments and work with planning and legal colleagues when needed.
- Support colleagues, partners and the public with clear guidance and help resolve complex enquiries.
- Work with local partners, including the Natural Environment Partnership and The Parks Trust, to support nature recovery strategies.
Ideal Candidate
- Is educated to degree level in a natural or environmental science.
- Brings substantial experience of ecological planning or consultancy.
- Has strong knowledge of legislation and policy relating to habitats and species.
- Can complete and interpret biodiversity net gain assessments using a Defra‑based metric.
- Works well with different people, builds positive relationships and handles competing demands.
- Shares our values by being dedicated, respectful and collaborative in everything they do.
- Full UK Driving Licence and access to a vehicle.
To be successful in this role, you’ll need a full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle. If we offer you the role, we’ll ask you to provide evidence of your driving licence and vehicle insurance, including cover for business use. We’re unable to confirm an appointment until these documents are received.
Milton Keynes City Council is a large, modern and financially stable employer with around 2,500 people working across our eight areas. Together we provide local residents and businesses with a wide range of important round-the-clock services and aim to make our city a better place to live.
We work hard because of the demands placed on us, like protecting children from harm or preventing homelessness. However, working for the city is always rewarding and everyone has the opportunity to make a real difference. We’re very proud of our diversity and are committed to having a workforce that reflects the community we serve. Whatever your background, you will be welcome here if you share our values of being dedicated, respectful and collaborative.
We offer great training and support and because of the size and scale of the organisation there are always new opportunities to explore when it’s time for a new role.
Ecology Officer in Milton Keynes employer: Milton-Keynes-Council
Milton Keynes City Council is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a positive impact in the community. With a supportive work culture, generous holiday benefits, and a commitment to employee growth through training and development opportunities, we empower our staff to thrive while delivering essential public health services. Our focus on collaboration and respect ensures that every team member feels valued and can contribute meaningfully to improving the lives of residents in Milton Keynes.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Ecology Officer in Milton Keynes
✨Get Involved in Local Projects
Dive into community projects or volunteer opportunities related to environmental engineering. Not only will this boost your experience, but it can also put you in touch with local professionals who might know of temporary roles. Plus, it's a great way to show your passion for the field!
✨Use Industry-Specific Platforms
Check out platforms like EnvironmentJobs or Ecotricity for temporary positions. These sites focus specifically on environmental roles and can give you a leg up in finding short-term gigs that match your skills.
✨Network at Environmental Events
Keep an eye out for local environmental tech meetups, conferences, or seminars. Engaging in these spaces can help you meet potential employers face-to-face and tap into the hidden job market, especially for temporary roles!
✨Leverage Our Website for Quick Applications
Don’t forget to check out temporary positions at Milton-Keynes-Council through our website. Applying directly there can often fast-track your application and get you noticed quicker by hiring managers. It’s a smart move to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Ecology Officer in Milton Keynes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:In the world of environmental engineering tech, it’s all about those technical skills! Make sure your CV highlights relevant software knowledge, such as CAD programs or environmental modelling software. Mention any specific projects where you applied these skills – it's a brilliant way to demonstrate your hands-on experience!
Tailor Your CV to the Job:Don’t just send out a generic CV. Take a little time to tailor it for the temporary role with Milton-Keynes-Council. Focus on highlighting any experience that relates directly to the specific environmental challenges they might tackle. Relevant coursework or certifications, even if they're from a short course, can give you an edge.
Keep it Short and Sweet:Since this is a temporary position, we recommend keeping your application concise. Highlight the most relevant experience and how quickly you can adapt to the role. Brief statements about your adaptability and eagerness to contribute can make a solid impression!
Brief Motivation in Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should express not just your qualifications but also your enthusiasm for the role at Milton-Keynes-Council. Explain why you’re drawn to the temporary nature of the job and what you hope to learn. This helps show that you’re not just looking for any position, but that you genuinely care about this opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Milton-Keynes-Council
✨Get Familiar with Key Engineering Tools
In environmental engineering tech, you’ll likely be quizzed on software tools like AutoCAD or GIS systems. Brush up on how you’ve used these tools in your studies or previous projects, as you might be asked technical questions that require you to explain specific applications in real-world scenarios.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Temporary positions often require quick thinking and adaptability. Be ready to discuss a project or case where you identified an environmental issue and proposed a solution. This not only highlights your analytical skills but shows you can hit the ground running—exactly what a temporary role needs!
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sustainability
Since we’re in the environmental sector, your enthusiasm for sustainable practices can be a game changer. Share any relevant coursework or volunteer activities you've engaged in that reflect your commitment. Employers love to see passion combined with practical experience.
✨Prepare for Short-Term Commitment Questions
For a temporary role, expect questions about your availability and how you manage time effectively on short-term projects. Be candid about your specific time commitment and illustrate how you've successfully completed previous assignments or internships within tight deadlines.
