Senior Ecological Planning Officer

Staffordshire Wildlife Trust are seeking a Senior Ecological Planning Officer at The Wolseley Centre, Wolseley Bridge, ST17 0WT

We are currently looking for an experienced ecological professional to help ensure development across the county protects, enhances and connects wildlife.

This is an opportunity to use your ecological expertise to influence planning decisions, working with Local Planning Authorities, developers and consultants to secure better outcomes for nature through the planning system.

We’re looking for someone who enjoys applying sound ecological judgement to real-world planning decisions. Whether your background is in ecological consultancy, local government, conservation or another planning-related role, you’ll have the opportunity to make a tangible contribution to nature recovery across Staffordshire.

You’ll be joining a friendly and supportive Conservation Team, working together to secure the best possible outcomes for wildlife across Staffordshire.

We’re committed to flexible working and recognise that experienced professionals are looking for different ways of working. We welcome applications from candidates interested in full-time (35 hours), part-time or job share arrangements, with flexible and hybrid working available where the role allows. If you have the experience we’re looking for but need a different working pattern, we’d encourage you to apply.

About the Role

You’ll review planning applications and the supporting ecological surveys, habitat assessments and Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) information, providing clear, evidence-based ecological advice and consultation responses that help ensure wildlife is properly considered throughout the planning process.

Working primarily on planning consultations covered by our Service Level Agreements with Local Planning Authorities, you’ll assess ecological information, identify opportunities to avoid or reduce impacts on biodiversity, and promote meaningful habitat enhancement where appropriate.

Your advice will help shape planning decisions across Staffordshire and contribute directly to nature recovery.

We’re looking for someone with:

• Experience in ecology, conservation or environmental planning, particularly where this relates to development or land-use.
• A good understanding of wildlife legislation, ecological survey methods and the planning process.
• Strong analytical and communication skills.
• The ability to manage a varied workload while meeting planning deadlines.
• A genuine commitment to protecting and enhancing wildlife through the planning system.

If you have the core experience and skills we’re looking for but don’t meet every desirable criterion, we’d still encourage you to apply.

About Us

“Staffordshire Wildlife Trust protects and enhances the wildlife and wild places of Staffordshire and promotes understanding, enjoyment and involvement in the natural world.”

A registered charity established in 1969, we are one of 46 county Wildlife Trusts throughout the UK and are supported by over 18,000 members.

The Trust owns or manages 45 nature reserves covering an area of over 1900 hectares. We have around 130 staff, based in six locations around the county including our Headquarters at Wolseley Bridge, Stafford, with our work divided up into four departments: Conservation Delivery, Engagement, Fundraising and Development, HR & Support Services, and Resources. The Trust has a diverse workforce including site wardens, wildlife surveyors, community and education officers, catering, retail and administration.

We’re Wild About Inclusion!

To us, this means inspiring, empowering and engaging people from all backgrounds, cultures, identities and abilities, to change the natural world for the better. It means creating workspaces where difference is celebrated, everyone can be themselves and flourish, just like nature.

Staffordshire Wildlife Trust is committed to keeping children and young people safe, you can see our policy here. Safeguarding and protecting our visitors, customers, members, staff and volunteers is the responsibility of every trustee, employee, and volunteer at Staffordshire Wildlife Trust. For applicable roles, applicants must be willing to undergo checks with past employers and Disclosure and Barring Service checks at the eligible level.

Disability Confident Employer.

As a Disability Confident accredited employer, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for vacancies. We particularly encourage applications from people who are underrepresented within our sector, including people from minority backgrounds and people with disabilities. We are committed to creating a movement that recognises and truly values individual differences and identities.

At SWT, we are committed to creating a safe environment where discrimination, bullying, and harassment are not tolerated. We expect everyone to uphold, respect, and support our zero-tolerance policy.

Please be aware we may not accept applications if we have reason to believe they have been wholly produced using generative AI tools

For more information and to request an application pack contact Staffordshire Wildlife Trust on [email protected] or visit our website via the link below.

Staffordshire Wildlife Trust is a registered charity. Charity No: 259558.

Closing date: 31st July 2026
Interviews: 14th August 2026