Ecologist

Role of the job

We require an experienced Ecologist to provide specialist advice to planning officers and developers through all stages of the development management and strategic planning process.

As part of a group of Ecologists in the Environment and Design Team, you will review planning applications and assist with policy development, working with colleagues across the Planning Service to secure the best outcomes for wildlife in contexts ranging from housing schemes and industrial development to the working and restoration of large minerals sites. We also provide advice about ecological matters to other services in the Council, help to lead work on the North of Tyne Local Nature Recovery Strategy and work with landowners to develop and oversee a supply of habitat banks in Northumberland.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a friendly and supportive team, working in a large and diverse county with a stunning coastline and extensive uplands rich in important habitats and species. We offer flexible working arrangements.

Requirements of the job

• You will have a degree in Ecology or a related subject and detailed understanding of nature conservation legislation, the land use planning system and biodiversity net gain.
• You will understand how to secure the best outcomes for wildlife through the planning system and will be confident in identifying a range of habitats and species and in assessing their significance.
• Experience of undertaking Habitat Regulations Assessments would be an advantage, as would the holding of protected species licences.
• A full driving licence is required.

For further information about this vacancy, please contact David Feige, Environment and Design Team Manager & County Ecologist on 0777 429 5253 for an informal discussion.

Northumberland County Council’s (NCC) vision is ‘Land of Great Opportunities’, for current and future generations. We believe there is no better place to live and work.

For further information about working for NCC, please visit our website here.

Why choose us?

We have some outstanding benefits and perks to offer you, including:

• 26 days annual leave plus public/bank holidays, rising to 31 days after 5 years of service (pro rata for part-time employees)
• Automatic enrolment into the Local Government Pension Scheme
• Flexi scheme (if applicable) – up to 2 days flexible leave available per month (pro rata for part-time employees)

Further information

Please note that this is a full time position.

For guidance on completing your application and for information about our Equality and Diversity principles, please see the guidance notes here.

We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria. If you have a disability and would prefer to apply in a different format, please see the alternative methods below. This information will be treated as confidential and will only be used to check that you meet the essential requirements of the post.

Alternative application format:

British Sign Language: northumberlandcc-cs.signvideo.net

For those with speech difficulties or hearing loss: Text relay service dial 018001 01670 623930

Although we advertise on North East Jobs, and other websites, your application process will be directed to our Tribepad system. Please note that all communication regarding your application for this post will be sent to the email address that you have registered on Tribepad, including your invite to interview if you are shortlisted. Please check your emails regularly, including Spam/Junk, after the closing dates for notifications.