Assistant Ecologist

Are you interested in a career in environmental conservation?

You will assist with the provision of high quality and robust ecological advice in order to
enhance biodiversity in new developments, whilst assisting in delivering nature recovery,
aligned to our climate change and sustainability priorities, across the area.

This permanent role offers the flexibility of working within the offices at Witney and agile
working, allowing you that extra freedom and work life balance.

Our planning and sustainability service is fundamental to the success of the council’s ambition
for the future, and we are passionate about safeguarding and restoring biodiversity in the
area. Our focus is to enable our communities in the West Oxfordshire area to thrive, by
creating great places for people to live, work, learn and enjoy. We want our future generations
to thrive too and we are serious in tackling the climate and nature emergencies.

About the role…

We are looking for a passionate Assistant Ecologist to join our ecology team within the
planning department to ensure the Council is implementing its duties under the Environment Act
2021 in relation to Biodiversity Net Gain and nature recovery. You will assist on providing
high quality and robust ecological advice on planning applications to Development Management
(including enforcement and appeals), including Biodiversity Net Gain and Habitats Regulations.
You will ensure that planning applications not only safeguard biodiversity but also maximise
opportunities for net gain and nature recovery.

You will work with a variety of different stakeholders, including planning officer colleagues,
developers, planning agents, ecological consultants, environmental organisations and the local
community to protect and enhance biodiversity in new developments and elsewhere, and to deliver
nature recovery across the area, through an innovative and practical solutions-based approach
and in order to support the council and local communities to deliver the Oxfordshire Local
Nature Recovery Strategy.

You will need…

• A degree-level qualification in ecology, biodiversity or other related subject or
  equivalent in a relevant subject to BTEC, HND, NVQ level 4/5 or relevant experience of five
  years in a relevant field/discipline.
• Knowledge and understanding of biodiversity conservation and enhancement, including
  legislation, designated sites, and ecological survey and assessment
• Experience and/or understanding of implementing nature strategies and projects in
  partnership with a wide range of stakeholders

Special Conditions…

• Full UK Driving Licence and access to a vehicle. There may be a requirement to work at
  other locations to meet the needs of the business.
• This post designated as politically restricted in accordance with the Local Government and
  Housing Act 1989. Politically restricted post holders are restricted from canvassing on behalf
  of a political party or for a person who is, or seeks to be, a candidate for election to a
  local authority, the House of Commons, or the European Parliament.

For more information about this role please see the Job Description/Person Specification on our website.

What can we do for you…

• Agile working allowing a mix of home and office working
• Flexible working arrangements (depending on the role)
• 27 days paid annual leave (pro rata if you are working part time) plus bank holidays, which
  increases to 30 days after five years’ service and 33 days following 10 years’ continuous
  service
• In addition you will have an extra two volunteering days a year for you to support a
  charity of your choice
• Renewed again for another year there is a Health cash plan giving you cash back on health,
  dental and eye care 
• Generous contributory local government pension scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme 24/7, providing positive, preventative and supportive advice
  and counselling to deal with everyday events and issues
• Cycle to work scheme
• Salary sacrifice car lease scheme with significant tax and NI savings to be made on
  electric cars
• Generous sickness cover above statutory entitlements