Senior Ecologist in Taunton

Salary: Grade 10 ranging from £37,280 - £41,771 per annum

Are you an ecologist looking to take the next step in your career? Whether you’re coming from a consultancy background or continuing to develop your ecology experience, this is a fantastic opportunity to grow your skills within a supportive and flexible Local Planning Authority (LPA) environment. At Somerset Council, we’re looking for a motivated individual with a can-do attitude, a willingness to learn, and a strong foundation in ecology.

An understanding of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), protected species and habitats is important, but you don’t need to know everything; if you’re ready to develop, we’ll support you every step of the way. As a Senior Ecologist, your advice and recommendations will play a key role in shaping sustainable development across the county. You’ll provide clear, practical ecological guidance on a wide range of planning applications and environmental matters, helping to secure positive outcomes for biodiversity while gaining exposure to varied and meaningful projects.

You’ll manage your own caseload, but you won’t be working in isolation. You’ll be part of an experienced, collaborative team who will support you from day one. There will be opportunities to get involved in survey work, contribute to service improvements, and take on increasingly complex projects as your confidence and experience grow. We’re committed to helping you succeed and will shape the role around your strengths and development goals wherever possible. This is an ideal opportunity to progress your career within an LPA setting, gain valuable experience, and make a real difference to Somerset’s natural environment.

Role Summary

As our Senior Ecologist, you’ll provide ecological advice to Somerset Council across planning and environmental matters, helping to ensure development is sustainable and policy compliant. This role is ideal for someone ready to step up, offering the chance to build confidence as a lead advisor within a planning area while being fully supported by a knowledgeable and collaborative team. You’ll gain exposure to a wide variety of projects, contribute to meaningful environmental outcomes, and continue developing your technical expertise.

What you’ll do – Key Responsibilities

• Provide expert ecological advice on planning applications and development proposals, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and policy, assessing impacts, and recommending mitigation and enhancement measures.
• Undertake and review Habitats Regulations Assessments and Ecological Impact Assessments for a range of plans and projects.
• Support on ecological fieldwork, including protected species surveys and site assessments across Somerset.
• Support the management and development of the ecology team, including mentoring colleagues and reviewing technical outputs.

What we’re looking for – Knowledge, Experience, & Skills

• Strong knowledge of protected species and their ecological requirements (including bats, amphibians, reptiles, dormice and badgers).
• Experience undertaking protected species and habitat surveys.
• In-depth understanding of planning policy and its ecological implications, including the National Planning Policy Framework.
• Experience of Environmental Impact Assessment processes and Habitats Regulations Assessments.
• Familiarity with Biodiversity Net Gain, the Environment Act and biodiversity metrics.
• Proven ability to analyse and evaluate ecological reports and data, and to produce clear, accessible reports for a range of audiences.
• Professional experience in ecology (consultancy and/or local government).
• Proficiency in GIS and mapping tools (e.g. QGIS, MapInfo, MAGIC, Ordnance Survey).
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage complex workloads, work independently and collaboratively, and make sound decisions under pressure.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain complex ecological and legislative issues clearly.
• Degree in Ecology or a related discipline (or equivalent experience).
• Local ecological knowledge of Somerset and awareness of key partnerships.
• Awareness of relevant case law influencing ecological planning decisions.
• Understanding of nutrient neutrality and its implications for development.
• Strong communication skills across written, verbal and digital formats.
• Professional membership of CIEEM (or working towards).
• FISC accreditation and experience using UKHab classification.
• Holds (or is working towards) at least one protected species licence.

Additional Information

• Permanent, Full-time role (37 hours per week)
• 30 days’ annual leave (additional to Bank Holidays)
• Flexible and Hybrid working opportunities.
• Regretfully, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role. We are only able to proceed with candidates who already have the right to work in the UK without the need for VISA sponsorship.

Please note that this vacancy may close earlier than the advertised closing date should we receive a high volume of applications.