At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead ecological assessments and provide expert advice on planning applications.
- Company: Join Westmorland & Furness Council's Climate and Natural Environment Team.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive pension, enhanced leave, and exclusive discounts.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and impact.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in biodiversity and community regeneration.
- Qualifications: Degree in ecology or equivalent experience; knowledge of ecological principles required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
Location: Barrow
Contract: Permanent
About this opportunity
Westmorland & Furness Council is seeking an enthusiastic and proactive Development Management Officer - Ecology to join our Climate and Natural Environment Team. The post directly supports the delivery of major place‑based programmes in Barrow-in-Furness, including Brilliant Barrow and Barrow Rising, contributing to long‑term regeneration, resilience, and infrastructure improvement across the area.
This role supports the Climate and Natural Environment Team’s range of ecological functions, including:
- Provision of pre‑application advice on ecological matters.
- Evaluation and assessment of complex planning applications and enquiries that impact on biodiversity, and provision of formal consultation responses.
- Evaluation and assessment of complex documents, including Environmental Impact Assessments, Habitats Regulations Assessments, Biodiversity Net Gain calculations, Construction Environmental Management Plans and other ecological reports.
- Carrying out site visits to assess ecological constraints, check the conclusions of submitted reports and monitor delivery against planning conditions and obligations.
- Attendance at stakeholder meetings, planning committees, and planning appeals where necessary.
- Assisting with drafting and management of Section 106 agreements that include clauses relating to ecological matters.
- Providing training and advice to colleagues, other officers and external parties on ecological matters.
You will lead on complex planning applications in the Barrow area and beyond. Key aspects of the role are preparing technical responses, advising on mitigation measures and working with key stakeholders to develop strategic mitigation measures.
Who we are looking for
You will be an experienced and motivated professional ecologist with:
- A relevant degree in an appropriate discipline or equivalent demonstrable experience.
- Detailed knowledge and understanding of ecological principles, ecological mitigation, habitat management and restoration.
- Professional experience leading complex work in a similar role within a multi‑disciplinary setting.
- Detailed knowledge of the Habitats Regulations, Habitats Regulations Assessment and other relevant legislation and policy relating to ecology and biodiversity.
- Detailed knowledge of biodiversity net gain legislation and guidance, and the biodiversity metric.
- Demonstrable experience of working independently to successfully manage own workload, balancing competing demands and carrying out successful negotiations.
- Relevant experience of ecological field survey work, including protected species, habitat and vegetation survey.
- Member of a relevant professional body.
Desirable
- Experience using GIS software.
Essential
- Valid driving licence (regular site visits required).
What we can offer you
Working at Westmorland & Furness Council you will receive a competitive pension scheme, an enhanced annual leave allowance and various additional perks and discount schemes.
Development Management Officer - Ecology employer: Westmorland And Furness Council
Westmorland & Furness Council is an excellent employer for those passionate about ecology and environmental sustainability. With a strong commitment to employee development, a supportive work culture, and a focus on meaningful projects like Brilliant Barrow, you will have the opportunity to make a real impact in the community while enjoying competitive benefits such as a generous pension scheme and enhanced annual leave. Join us in Barrow-in-Furness, where your expertise will contribute to long-term ecological resilience and regeneration efforts.
Contact Detail:
Westmorland And Furness Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Development Management Officer - Ecology
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the ecology field, attend local events, and join relevant online groups. The more connections we make, the better our chances of hearing about job openings before they even hit the market.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the council's recent projects and initiatives. We want to show that we're not just interested in the role but also passionate about contributing to the community and its ecological goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine our responses, especially around complex ecological topics. This will help us feel more confident and articulate during the real deal.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets noticed. Plus, we can keep track of our applications and any updates directly from there.
We think you need these skills to ace Development Management Officer - Ecology
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience and skills that align with the role of Development Management Officer - Ecology. We want to see how your background fits into our Climate and Natural Environment Team!
Showcase Your Knowledge:Demonstrate your understanding of ecological principles and relevant legislation in your written application. We’re looking for someone who knows their stuff, so don’t hold back on sharing your expertise!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key achievements and experiences are easy to spot. Remember, less is often more!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure it gets to us directly and helps us keep track of all applications efficiently. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Westmorland And Furness Council
✨Know Your Ecology Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your ecological principles and relevant legislation before the interview. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your experience that demonstrate your understanding of biodiversity net gain and habitat management.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect to face questions about complex planning applications and Environmental Impact Assessments. Practise explaining your thought process when evaluating these documents, as well as how you would advise on mitigation measures.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Skills
Since you'll be attending stakeholder meetings and planning committees, think of examples where you've successfully collaborated with others. Highlight your negotiation skills and how you've managed competing demands in previous roles.
✨Get Familiar with GIS Software
If you have experience using GIS software, be sure to mention it! If not, consider doing a bit of research or a quick tutorial to understand its relevance in ecological assessments. This could give you an edge in the interview.
