Senior Ecologist

3 Month Contract With A Local Authority

The Senior Ecologist will provide specialist ecological advice to support the Council's Planning Service in the determination of planning applications. Working as part of a temporary resource solution to manage increased demand, the postholder will review ecological information, assess biodiversity impacts, and provide expert guidance to ensure compliance with relevant legislation, planning policy, and Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) requirements.

This role is focused on development management and planning application review, helping to ensure sustainable development outcomes while supporting the efficient delivery of planning services.

Key Responsibilities

Planning Application Review

• Review and provide expert ecological advice on a range of planning applications, including major developments and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) schemes.
  
• Assess ecological surveys, habitat assessments, protected species reports, ecological impact assessments, and mitigation strategies.
  
• Review Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) calculations, metrics, and supporting proposals.
  
• Recommend planning conditions, obligations, mitigation measures, and reasons for refusal where appropriate.
  
• Provide timely, clear, and proportionate ecological advice to Development Management Officers to support decision-making.
  
• Assess the adequacy of ecological information submitted in support of planning applications and identify where further information is required.
  

Legislation and Compliance

• Ensure planning recommendations are compliant with relevant wildlife legislation, national planning policy, and ecological best practice guidance.
  
• Advise on protected species issues, licensing requirements, habitat protection, and biodiversity enhancement opportunities.
  
• Support the Council in meeting its statutory duties relating to biodiversity conservation and environmental protection.
  
• Promote a pragmatic and solutions-focused approach to ecological issues within the planning process.
  

Stakeholder Engagement

• Liaise professionally with planning officers, developers, ecological consultants, and other stakeholders as required.
  
• Respond to planning-related ecological queries within agreed timescales.
  
• Contribute specialist ecological expertise to support positive planning outcomes while maintaining regulatory compliance.
  

Requirements

Essential

• Degree in Ecology, Environmental Science, Conservation, or a related discipline.
  
• Extensive experience reviewing ecological reports and providing ecological advice within a planning or development management environment.
  
• Strong knowledge of UK wildlife legislation, environmental regulations, and planning policy.
  
• Experience assessing ecological impacts, mitigation strategies, compensation measures, and Biodiversity Net Gain proposals.
  
• Ability to manage a high-volume caseload and deliver work to challenging deadlines.
  
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to make sound professional judgements.
  
• Excellent written communication skills, including the ability to provide concise and proportionate technical advice.
  
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
  

Desirable

• Membership of a relevant professional body such as CIEEM.
  
• Experience working within a Local Planning Authority or similar regulatory environment.
  
• Experience advising on major development schemes and EIA projects.
  
• Knowledge of local government planning processes and decision-making frameworks.
  

Additional Information

• Location: Fully Remote
  
• Hours: Flexible, to be agreed 
  
• Payment Frequency: Bi-weekly payments