At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead biodiversity initiatives and provide expert ecological advice for urban development.
- Company: Birmingham City Council, committed to sustainability and community impact.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, professional development, and a collaborative environment.
- Other info: Join a diverse team dedicated to positive environmental outcomes.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in creating a greener, sustainable future for Birmingham.
- Qualifications: Experience in ecology, strong communication skills, and project management abilities.
The predicted salary is between 45091 - 53460 £ per year.
Birmingham is a city with ambitious plans for growth, regeneration and sustainability. We’re looking for an experienced and passionate Principal Ecologist to play a leading role in protecting, enhancing and championing biodiversity across the UK's largest local authority.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Provide expert ecological advice on planning applications, development proposals and environmental projects across the city.
- Lead on biodiversity, habitat protection, conservation and enhancement initiatives, ensuring compliance with legislation and policy.
- Support the delivery of Birmingham's sustainability, biodiversity and natural environment strategies.
- Manage and develop ecological databases and environmental information that support planning and decision‑making.
- Lead and contribute to environmental improvement projects, including green infrastructure and nature conservation programmes.
- Produce ecological assessments, reports and briefings, presenting findings to a wide range of stakeholders.
- Build strong relationships with developers, consultants, community groups, partner organisations and elected members.
About You
We're looking for someone who combines strong technical ecological expertise with excellent communication and stakeholder management skills. You will have:
- Significant experience working in ecology, biodiversity, conservation or environmental planning.
- Strong knowledge of planning legislation, wildlife protection, habitat management and biodiversity policy.
- Experience advising on development proposals and working within a planning or regulatory environment.
- The ability to manage projects, budgets and competing priorities effectively.
- Excellent report‑writing, analytical and presentation skills.
- Strong partnership‑building, negotiation and influencing abilities.
- A proactive approach to problem‑solving and a passion for delivering positive environmental outcomes.
Why Join Us
At Birmingham City Council, you’ll have the opportunity to make a genuine impact on the future of one of Europe's most ambitious cities. We offer:
- The chance to influence major regeneration and development projects across Birmingham.
- A varied and rewarding role working on strategic environmental and biodiversity initiatives.
- Opportunities to work with a wide range of stakeholders across local, regional and national partnerships.
- Ongoing professional development and support for continuous learning.
- Flexible working arrangements that support work‑life balance.
- A collaborative and values‑driven working environment.
- The opportunity to help create a greener, more sustainable future for Birmingham and its communities.
We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and aim to have a workforce that represents the communities we serve. Our data tells us that for this level of role, ethnic minorities are underrepresented and therefore we will use positive action to support us to achieve diverse shortlists. This may mean that recruitment times are a little longer, but we think this is worth it to achieve our aim.
Birmingham City Council is an accredited Disability Confident Leader employer, and we are committed to employing, retaining and developing all of our people. Proof of Right to work in the UK will be required for all applicants in accordance with UK Home Office requirements, before any employment offer can be confirmed.
Principal Ecologist in Birmingham employer: WMJobs
At Birmingham City Council, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a collaborative and values-driven work culture. As a Principal Ecologist, you will have the unique opportunity to influence major environmental initiatives and contribute to the sustainability of one of Europe's most ambitious cities, all while enjoying flexible working arrangements and ongoing professional development. Join us in our mission to create a greener future for Birmingham and its communities, where your expertise will be valued and your impact will be significant.
