Senior Ecologist

Senior Ecologist
Location: Council Offices, Southfield Road, Loughborough, LE11 2TX
Start Date: ASAP
Contract Duration: 5+ months
Working Hours: Mon Fri, 09 00
Pay Rate: £ 41.69 per hour
Job Ref: OR22659

Job Responsibilities

• Provide professional advice on integrating biodiversity within development projects, ensuring a consistent approach to Biodiversity Net Gain.

• Advise planning applicants and case officers within statutory and agreed timescales to prevent net loss in biodiversity, in line with statutory, national, and local policies.

• Monitor delivery of Biodiversity Net Gain plans and support the Planning Enforcement Team in investigations and enforcement actions.

• Maintain records, conduct surveys, and monitor Local Wildlife Sites (LWS) to conserve and enhance important nature sites.

• Commission and manage contractors for environmental surveys to maintain up-to-date wildlife habitat records.

• Prepare and implement management plans and habitat creation schemes, liaising with stakeholders and supervising contractors or volunteers.

• Prepare and present reports on ecological and biodiversity matters to relevant Council Committees.

• Collaborate with the County Council to ensure effective data collection and maintenance of the Leicester and Rutland Environmental Record Centre, overseeing the Service Level Agreement.

• Liaise with Council divisions, County Council departments, Town/Parish Councils, and external agencies on heritage and ecology matters, attending meetings, presentations, and exhibitions as needed.

• Support team members to achieve service-related and corporate objectives.

• Contribute to continuous improvement in customer service, ensuring all work meets defined performance standards.

• Undertake additional duties appropriate to the role and grade.

• Ensure secure handling of information and report any breaches in line with Council policies.

Person Specification
Must-Have Requirements

• Eligible to work in the UK

• Full driving licence

• Minimum of 3 years relevant work experience

• Ability to provide professional references/work history

• Signed Confidentiality Agreement

• Current CV

Nice-to-Have Requirements

• Experience in planning and development-related ecology

• Familiarity with statutory biodiversity legislation and policies

• Experience managing contractors and volunteers

• Knowledge of Local Wildlife Sites and habitat management

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