Senior Ecologist

Senior Ecologist – Planning & Policy Location: Doncaster Salary: £35,570 – £39,481 per annum Contract: Permanent Working Arrangement: Hybrid The Opportunity An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Senior Ecologist to join a local authority's Planning and Policy team in Doncaster on a permanent basis. This is an excellent opportunity for an ecology professional with experience of the planning system to play an important role in shaping future development, protecting biodiversity and ensuring that the natural environment is considered throughout the planning process. Working alongside the Principal Ecologist, you will provide specialist ecological advice, contribute to the preparation of Development Plans and help ensure that new developments deliver positive outcomes for the natural environment. The Role As Senior Ecologist, you will support the development and implementation of planning policies relating to ecology, biodiversity and the natural environment. Your responsibilities will include: Providing specialist ecological advice and input into Development Plans and wider planning policy. Advising planning colleagues, developers and external stakeholders on ecological matters relating to proposed developments. Working with developers to negotiate improvements and secure high-quality developments that enhance the natural environment. Helping ensure that approved developments deliver their ecological commitments in accordance with agreed plans. Keeping up to date with relevant environmental legislation, planning policies, strategies and guidance. Representing the Council at planning appeals, public inquiries and hearings, including acting as an expert witness on ecological matters. Building effective working relationships with internal teams, external partners and stakeholders to support consistent ecological policy development and implementation. About You To be successful in this position, you will have: A degree or postgraduate qualification in Ecology or a relevant environmental discipline. Professional membership of a relevant organisation, such as CIEEM, or sufficient experience to work towards full membership. Proven experience working within ecology and the planning system. A strong understanding of planning policy and legislation relating to ecology, including Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), protected species, designated sites and ecological networks. Experience influencing, negotiating and resolving potentially conflicting issues with developers and other stakeholders. Strong report-writing, analytical, communication and presentation skills. The ability to manage your own workload, work independently and deliver ecological projects with minimal supervision. A proactive and creative approach to resolving environmental and biodiversity challenges. You should also be committed to ongoing professional development and willing to undertake further training where required. What is on Offer? Permanent employment. Salary of £35,570 – £39,481 per annum. Hybrid working arrangement. The opportunity to influence planning policy and protect and enhance the natural environment. A varied and rewarding role working alongside an established ecology and planning team. How to Apply If you are an experienced Ecologist with a background in planning policy, development management or ecological consultancy and are looking for your next career opportunity, we would be keen to hear from you. Please contact Prakash by emailing [email removed] or call [phone removed] for more information. PP-1