At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead ecological initiatives and drive biodiversity recovery across Herefordshire.
- Company: Herefordshire Council, committed to sustainable development and nature conservation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, flexible working, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a supportive team dedicated to environmental excellence and community welfare.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on nature recovery while shaping strategic ecological policies.
- Qualifications: BSc in Ecology, experience in ecological advice, and leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 40778 - 45092 £ per year.
Herefordshire Council is looking for an experienced and motivated Principal Ecologist to lead ecological work, drive biodiversity recovery, and ensure sustainable development across Herefordshire. This is a key role where you’ll act as one of the Council’s principal advisers on ecology and Biodiversity Net Gain to Planning Services, influencing decisions at the highest level and helping to respond to the ecological emergency with ambitious, evidence‑based solutions.
What You Will Be Doing
- Lead and manage a team of ecologists, supporting their professional development and ensuring high‑quality, consistent advice across the service.
- Oversee and co‑ordinate ecological input to planning, including major and complex applications, while shaping strategic approaches to ecological issues.
- Act as one of the Council’s lead technical advisers on ecology, providing expert advice internally and externally, including to Planning, Members, partners and stakeholders.
- Play a central role in delivering biodiversity net gain and wider nature recovery ambitions.
- Represent the Council at planning appeals including hearings, inquiries and public forums, acting as an expert witness when required.
- Work collaboratively with internal teams, developers, statutory bodies and environmental partners to conserve and enhance the natural environment across the county.
- Contribute to strategic initiatives, including the development of nature recovery and ecological strategies, and support funding and project delivery opportunities.
- Deputise for the Natural Environment Team Leader when required and play an important role in shaping service delivery, performance, and continuous improvement.
- Collaborate with colleagues across Planning, Environmental and Energy Management, Highways, Parks and Legal Services, and with external partners including Natural England, the Environment Agency and local wildlife organisations.
About You
- A minimum qualification of a BSc (Hons) in Ecology or equivalent.
- Full member of CIEEM or capable of meeting this status.
- Significant demonstrable experience providing technical advice for Ecology and Habitats Regulations Assessment in relation to major and/or complex planning applications.
- Experience of, or willingness to, lead the assessment of ecological impacts of nutrients in both projects and plans.
- Ability to contribute to developing strategic solutions, working in partnership with other interested parties.
- Detailed knowledge and experience of applying UK and EU wildlife regulation and ecological best practice, supported by a working knowledge of planning policy.
- Experience of managing networks, with working knowledge of partnering and contract management.
- Experience line‑managing staff.
- Experience dealing with multiple work streams and working to tight deadlines.
- Full driving licence and the ability to travel throughout the county and undertake site visits, including over rough terrain.
We Offer
- Salary range of £40,778 - £45,092
- Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
- Clear opportunities for professional learning and career development
- 31 days’ annual leave (pro rata) plus bank holidays, with the option to purchase up to 10 additional days
- Flexible working options, including agile working arrangements
- Employee Assistance Programme with 24/7 access to support
- Contribution towards professional membership fees (where role‑related)
- A wide range of savings and discounts through our employee benefits scheme
Commitments and Equal Opportunities
The following candidates will be interviewed if they meet the essential criteria for the post they are applying for:
- Those who indicate that they have a disability – part of our commitment to the “Disability Confident” scheme.
- Those who indicate in their application that they are an Armed Forces Veteran or Reservist – part of our pledge to support the Armed Forces Covenant.
- Those who indicate in their application that they are a Herefordshire care leaver – part of our commitment to supporting young people leaving our care.
The council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. All staff will be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service check.
Principal Ecologist in Hereford employer: WMJobs
Herefordshire Council is an exceptional employer for those passionate about ecology and sustainable development. With a strong commitment to professional growth, flexible working options, and a supportive work culture, employees are empowered to make a meaningful impact on biodiversity recovery and environmental conservation. The council offers competitive salaries, generous leave entitlements, and a collaborative environment that fosters innovation and strategic thinking in addressing ecological challenges.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Ecologist in Hereford
✨Get Involved in Local Environmental Initiatives
Dive into your local environmental scenes, like community clean-up projects or eco-focused events. Not only will you meet like-minded people, but it's a surefire way to showcase your passion and skills in environmental engineering tech.
✨Join Industry-Specific Organisations
Check out organisations like the Institution of Environmental Engineers for networking opportunities and resources. They often host events and seminars that can help us connect with key players in the industry, including potential employers like WMJobs.
✨Show Off Your Projects and Passion
Create a portfolio that highlights any relevant projects, whether it's coursework, internships, or personal initiatives. Share this online, perhaps even on platforms like GitHub or your own website, to grab the attention of hiring managers looking for talent like us.
✨Utilise Environmental Job Boards
Take advantage of niche job boards dedicated to environmental careers. Sites like Green Jobs, Environmental Career and EcoJobs often feature openings from companies like WMJobs and can help us land that full-time gig.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Ecologist in Hereford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for a role in environmental engineering tech, make sure to highlight your technical skills like CAD software proficiency, data analysis, or modelling techniques. These are essential for the job and should stand out in your CV and cover letter, showing how you can contribute to projects at WMJobs.
Demonstrate Your Passion for Sustainability:In this field, showcasing your passion for sustainability and environmental protection can set you apart. Include any relevant projects, volunteer experience, or courses that underline your commitment to these causes. WMJobs will appreciate candidates who genuinely care about making a difference.
Tailor Your Application to the Role:Don't just send a generic CV and cover letter. Make sure to tailor your application to the specific role of Principal Ecologist at WMJobs. Highlight experiences that align directly with the job description and give concrete examples of your work to demonstrate that you’re the right fit for a full-time position.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have certifications related to environmental engineering or technology, like LEED Accreditation or any relevant software certifications, make sure to mention them. These qualifications can boost your application and show that you’re serious about your professional development in this competitive field.
How to prepare for a job interview at WMJobs
✨Brush Up on Environmental Regulations
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest environmental regulations and standards. In an environmental engineering tech role at WMJobs, you might be asked specific questions about compliance measures, so understanding these will definitely give you an edge.
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Prepare to demonstrate your proficiency with relevant tools and software, such as AutoCAD or GIS. You might be given a practical problem to solve during the interview, so it’s a great idea to brush up on these skills and perhaps even bring a portfolio of your projects to showcase your technical prowess.
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sustainability
In a full-time role, employers are looking for commitment and enthusiasm. Share your experiences, studies, or projects that reflect your passion for environmental sustainability. This will show WMJobs that you're not just qualified but genuinely invested in the field.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Be ready for behavioural questions that assess how you handle teamwork, conflict, and project management. Think of examples from your studies or practical experiences where you tackled challenges effectively, showcasing both your technical and interpersonal skills.
