Ecology Officer

Job introduction

We’re recruiting an Ecology Officer to join our Environment and Waste team. You’ll play an important part in helping us protect and enhance the natural environment across Milton Keynes. Our team works closely with colleagues across planning, development and environmental services, contributing to how our city grows while safeguarding habitats and species.

At Milton Keynes City Council, we act as one council and stay focused on making a difference for our communities. We’re dedicated, respectful and collaborative, and we work hard to create cleaner, safer and healthier places for everyone.

This rewarding role is ideal for someone with strong ecological knowledge who wants to shape development, influence environmental outcomes and support our long‑term plans for nature recovery.

This is a fixed term position – 2 years

This role may be suitable for home working, following an assessment. Home‑based roles require a minimum of one day per week working from the office or site.

Interviews for this role will be held on 5th October 2026.

At Milton Keynes City Council, we aim to make a difference every day. We’re dedicated, respectful and collaborative. We act as one council, and we work hard to create cleaner, safer and healthier communities while tackling inequalities and supporting people to thrive.

We take pride in our supportive work culture and try to go that extra mile when it comes to investing in our colleagues.

Find out more about working with us here: www.mkcounciljobs.org.uk

Role responsibilities

• Provide expert ecological advice on planning applications at each stage of the process.
• Assess the impact of major developments and recommend practical solutions that protect biodiversity.
• Advise specifically on minerals, waste, infrastructure and school development proposals.
• Review biodiversity net gain assessments and work with planning and legal colleagues when needed.
• Support colleagues, partners and the public with clear guidance and help resolve complex enquiries.
• Work with local partners, including the Natural Environment Partnership and The Parks Trust, to support nature recovery strategies.

Ideal candidate

• Is educated to degree level in a natural or environmental science.
• Brings substantial experience of ecological planning or consultancy.
• Has strong knowledge of legislation and policy relating to habitats and species.
• Can complete and interpret biodiversity net gain assessments using a Defra‑based metric.
• Works well with different people, builds positive relationships and handles competing demands.
• Shares our values by being dedicated, respectful and collaborative in everything they do.

Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle

To be successful in this role, you’ll need a full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle. If we offer you the role, we’ll ask you to provide evidence of your driving licence and vehicle insurance, including cover for business use. We’re unable to confirm an appointment until these documents are received.