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- Tasks: Lead ecology projects and provide planning advice to enhance local biodiversity.
- Company: Join West Oxfordshire District Council, dedicated to community and environmental improvement.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, health cash plan, and a supportive work culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on nature recovery while shaping the future of your community.
- Qualifications: Post-graduate degree and 5+ years of relevant ecological experience required.
- Other info: Hybrid role with opportunities for professional growth and community engagement.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Are you an experienced ecologist seeking to develop your career in a senior role incorporating planning advice and nature recovery projects?
An exceptional opportunity to join West Oxfordshire District Council as a Senior Ecologist, you will be acting asalead technical specialist on ecology, Biodiversity Net Gain and nature recovery for planning, estates and other council departments. This permanent role offers the flexibility of working within the offices at Witney and agile working, allowing you that extra freedom and work life balance.
Are you passionate about restoring nature in the local area? If so, we would love to hear from you.
Our planning and sustainability service is fundamental to the success of the councils ambition for the future and we are passionate about safeguarding and recovering nature in the area. Our focus is to enable our communities in the West Oxfordshire area to thrive, by creating great places for people to live, work, learn and enjoy. We want our future generations to thrive too and we are serious in tackling the climate and nature emergencies. Now is a fantastic time to be joining us. We are looking to deliver upon our council priorities and shape our environment for the benefit of the local area and beyond.
We are looking for a passionate ecologist to join the planning policy team to ensure the Council is implementing its duties under the Environment Act 2021 in relation to Biodiversity Net Gain and nature recovery. You will be line managed by the Principal Ecologist and assist with overseeing the work of the two Assistant Ecologists and the Nature Recovery Officer.
The Senior Ecologist is a hybrid role combining nature recovery with planning ecology on a 50:50 basis. The work will be wide ranging and challenging, including providing high quality and robust ecological advice for planning applications, enforcement and appeals, and supporting the Principal Ecologist on the implementation and monitoring of Biodiversity Net Gain. In addition, you will be driving forward the councils Nature Recovery Plan.
You will be liaising with a variety of different stakeholders, including planning officers, developers, planning agents, ecological consultants, environmental organisations and councillors to protect and enhance biodiversity and to deliver nature recovery in order to support the delivery of the Oxfordshire Local Nature Recovery Strategy.
You will need:
- A post-graduate degree qualification in a related subject and at least 5-years relevant work experience.
- Experience in providing ecological advice in either public or private sector within a planning context.
- Excellent knowledge and experience of statutory Biodiversity Net Gain.
- Excellent knowledge and experience of relevant legislation and policies, specifically how these apply to the planning process and management of the natural environment.
- Good awareness and understanding of Local Nature Recovery Strategies.
Special conditions:
- Ability to travel / access to a vehicle for work purposes.
- Full UK Driving Licence
- You will be expected to work reasonable additional hours in line with the needs of the service.
- There may be a requirement to work at other locations to meet the needs of the business.
- This post designated as politically restricted in accordance with the Local Government and Housing Act 1989. Politically restricted post holders are restricted from canvassing on behalf of a political party or for a person who is, or seeks to be, a candidate for election to a local authority, the House of Commons, or the European Parliament.
What we can do for you
- Agile working allowing a mix of home and office working
- Flexible working arrangements
- 27 days paid annual leave (pro rata if you are working part time) plus bank holidays and an extra two volunteering days off a year for you to support a charity of your choice
- Renewed again for another year there is a Health cash plan giving you cash back on health, dental and eye care
- Generous contributorylocal government pension scheme
- Employee Assistance Programme 24/7, providing positive, preventative and supportive advice and counselling to deal with everyday events and issues
- Cycle to work scheme
- Salary sacrifice car lease scheme with significant tax and NI savings to be made on electric cars
- Generous sickness cover above statutory entitlements
It is important that our staff reflect the diversity of our community, and we therefore welcome and encourage applications from people of all genders and sexual orientation, those from Black, Asian, and other minority ethnic backgrounds, and those with disabilities.
Accredited of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy/ies – Please state this within your covering statement or in a separate email.
Our organisation is committed to safeguarding the welfare of vulnerable adults, young people and children. Safer recruitment practices are applied to all job vacancies
Safer recruitment practices are applied to all job vacancies. Successful candidates will be required to complete a pre-employment medical questionnaire; provide references; proof of identity; nationality and immigration status; three years employment or education history (if applicable) and, in some cases, verification of criminal record.
Senior Ecologist in Witney employer: West Oxfordshire District Council
Contact Detail:
West Oxfordshire District Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Ecologist in Witney
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Environment Act 2021 and its implications for Biodiversity Net Gain. Understanding how this legislation impacts planning processes will give you a significant edge in discussions with stakeholders.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the ecology and planning sectors, especially those involved with local councils. Attend relevant workshops or seminars to build connections that could lead to valuable insights and recommendations.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for nature recovery by engaging in local conservation projects or initiatives. This hands-on experience not only enhances your CV but also demonstrates your commitment to the role and the community.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss specific examples of your previous work in providing ecological advice within a planning context. Highlighting your practical experience will help you stand out during interviews and show your capability for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Ecologist in Witney
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in ecology, particularly in relation to planning advice and nature recovery projects. Emphasise your post-graduate degree and any specific projects that align with the role.
Craft a Strong Supporting Statement: In your supporting statement, clearly articulate your passion for restoring nature and how your skills can contribute to the council's goals. Address the key responsibilities mentioned in the job description, such as providing ecological advice and implementing Biodiversity Net Gain.
Showcase Relevant Experience: Detail your experience in both public and private sectors, especially in providing ecological advice within a planning context. Include examples of your knowledge of legislation and policies related to biodiversity and local nature recovery strategies.
Proofread and Format: Before submitting your application, proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. Ensure your CV and supporting statement are well-formatted and easy to read, making it simple for the hiring manager to see your qualifications at a glance.
How to prepare for a job interview at West Oxfordshire District Council
✨Show Your Passion for Ecology
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for restoring nature and biodiversity during the interview. Share specific examples of projects you've worked on that align with the council's goals, demonstrating your commitment to ecological recovery.
✨Understand Local Legislation
Familiarise yourself with the Environment Act 2021 and how it relates to Biodiversity Net Gain. Be prepared to discuss how you would implement these regulations in a planning context, showcasing your knowledge of relevant legislation and policies.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Engagement
Since the role involves liaising with various stakeholders, think about your past experiences working with planning officers, developers, and environmental organisations. Be ready to discuss how you effectively communicate and collaborate with different parties to achieve ecological goals.
✨Highlight Your Leadership Skills
As a Senior Ecologist, you'll be overseeing Assistant Ecologists and the Nature Recovery Officer. Prepare to talk about your leadership style and provide examples of how you've successfully managed teams or projects in the past, ensuring high-quality ecological advice and outcomes.
