Senior Ecologist

What will I be doing?

The Senior Ecologist will assist the Ecology Service Manager who leads the Somerset Ecology
Service (SES), a small team who deliver the statutory obligations of Somerset Council. The
position holder will provide professional ecological advice to and on behalf of the Council on
planning and ecological matters, including biodiversity net gain and nutrient neutrality
matters. The Senior Ecologist will be a key advisor and assessor to one Planning Area of
Somerset upholding national and local legislation as well as best practice guidance. The role
will be predominantly desk based however the role holder will be expected to partake and
occasionally lead on ecological field work. This role offers flexible remote working with
encouragement to collaborate in an office setting, occasional survey work, team days and career
development opportunities.

We’re working to improve the lives of people in Somerset – and you’ll be a key part of that.
Your day-to-day work will involve:

• Review and assess planning applications and proposed plans through assessment of ecological
  impacts against legislation, policy and best-practice guidance.
• Liaison with council officers, applicants and stakeholders including Natural England.
• Reviewing BNG proposals and monitoring of BNG habitat creation within Somerset.
• Reviewing nutrient neutrality mitigation schemes and shadow HRA’s in relation to nutrients.
• Undertaking of Habitats Regulations Assessments.
• Assisting the Ecology Service Manager and team members on the day-to-day running of the
  ecology service.
• Contribution towards responses on national consultations, policy or guidance, on behalf of
  the council.
• Undertake and/or assist with botanical/habitat surveys and protected species surveys.
• Occasional support and/or representation of the Council in planning appeal hearings or
  inquiries where required.
• Advising council officers on ecological requirements for projects including site work.
• Undertake and/or contribute towards the strategic development and research to support the
  delivery of the ecology service.
• Progress, research and develop environmental planning and design tools.

What kind of experience or qualifications do I need?

We offer ongoing support, training and guidance to help you be the best you can be. But it will
really help if you:

• Have a technical knowledge of a range of Protected Species and their ecological needs,
  particularly bats, amphibians, reptiles, hazel dormice and badgers.
• Have an understanding of the relevant National Planning Policy Framework and national/local
  wildlife legislation.
• Have an understanding of, and experience of, analysing and evaluating a range of ecology
  reports including Environmental Impact Assessments.
• Have a significant experience in the Ecology industry.
• Can provide excellent communication to a variety of audiences (verbal and through emails).

What is in it for me?

We are proud to offer an environment that is supportive and rewarding, working as part of a
team who are passionate about the work they do to improve the lives of people in Somerset.

We offer great training and development opportunities, with supportive management. As well as
this, we have some fantastic employee benefits available:

• We promote a healthy work-life balance and offer flexible working arrangements wherever
  possible, including working from home.
• Generous annual leave allowance, with the opportunity to purchase additional leave
• Staff discounts in gyms.
• Employee Assistance for the times you may need some support and a variety of employee
  wellbeing services.
• Auto enrolment onto our generous Pension Scheme and optional pension enhancement through
  our Additional Voluntary Contribution scheme.
• A Flexible Benefits Scheme via salary sacrifice to obtain a cycle for work and health
  screenings.
• My Staff Shop offering discounts in shops, online shopping, restaurants, cinema tickets,
  insurance benefits and more

Supporting documents and information

Salary is £36,124 to £40,476 per annum for 37 hours/week

For an informal chat about the role, you can contact Sarah Cruickshank, Ecology Service
Manager.
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 01823 355242

Closing date: 26 June 2025 11:59 pm

If you have everything you need, just hit the apply button. We can’t wait to hear from you.