Planning Ecologist (Interim) Our client is seeking a skilled and motivated Planning Ecologist to support the integration of ecological considerations into the planning process. You will help them meet its statutory responsibilities regarding nature conservation by providing professional advice across the organisation. The successful candidate will work closely with the Ecology Team, Planning Officers, developers, and other stakeholders to ensure that biodiversity and habitat regulations are effectively addressed in planning applications and planning documents. You will be confident in application of environmental regulations and policy including the Environment Act, Habitat Regulations, Local and National Planning Policy. About You We are looking for someone who is passionate about wildlife and can demonstrate a high level of experience as an ecologist working hand in glove with the planning system. We want someone who can build effective relationships and work independently across a diverse range of casework. You must hold a relevant degree or have equivalent experience and be a Member of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM) or other professional body. Job Title: Planning Ecologist Pay rate: £25.00 - £30.00 per hour Interim Cover - 30th April 2026 Hybrid Working 1-2 days a week. Will be required to attend the office for your induction. Requirements: Valid driving licence and access to your own vehicle and have business class insurance for site visits. DBS required for the role if successful. Degree level education or experience level to match Ideally local authority background. Planning experience Ecology experience A member of CIEEM or other professional membership body UK Passport / Sharecode Job Purpose: To provide specialist ecological advice and support to the Ecology and Development Management teams. Providing consultation responses to planning submissions in accordance with national and local plan policy, CIEEM guidance, BS 42020:2013, and planning and ecology best practice and published guidelines. The work will include review of Ecological Impact Assessments, Biodiversity Net Gain reports and Statutory Biodiversity Metrics, ecological documents submitted to discharge ecological conditions, habitat regulation assessments (HRAs), and providing advice to officers, including Validation, Planning and Ecology Officers when required. There may also be a requirement to support the development of local planning policies by compiling evidence and preparing accompanying reports. Core Responsibilities: 1. Provide specialist ecological advice and consultee responses on planning applications, including the review of ecological reports such as Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEAs), Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA), Bat and Bird Surveys, Environmental Statements (ES), and landscape and construction management plans. 2. Apply professional judgement and advice to develop the design of schemes and associated mitigation and enhancement measures within multi-disciplinary teams and advise decision-makers on compliance with legislation, policy, planning obligations and survey guidelines. 3. Review and provide written responses on Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) reports, Statutory Biodiversity Metric submissions, Habitat Management and Monitoring Plans (HMMPs), Biodiversity Gain Plans (BGPs) and advise Validation, Planning, and Ecology Officers on all aspects of BNG. 4. Support the client in carrying out appropriate assessments under the Habitat Regulations for proposals that may significantly affect protected habitats, and where required, undertake these assessments directly. Review shadow Habitats Regulation Assessments (HRAs) and provide support to planning officers. Experience with habitat sites associated with bats and nutrients would be beneficial. 5.Provide pre-application advice on development proposals ensuring that all potential ecological receptors are considered and provide constructive and pragmatic advice to influence developments for biodiversity enhancement in line with local and national policy. 6.Work with and support other teams (including but not limited to) the Tree team, Landscape, Conservation, and Planning Officers on how biodiversity and BNG interact with these specialisms. Make sure that the Ecology Team offers a customer focused service using systems thinking principles. 7.This is a politically restricted post under Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009. The holder of this post is disqualified from being a member of other local authorities, a Member of Parliament or a Member of the European Parliament. In addition, the post holder may not hold office in a political party, canvas at elections or attempt to influence support in any other way for a political party. 8.Support the clients approach to equality and diversity ensuring that our services and policies identify, address and promote the needs of our diverse community. This includes the need for safety of children and other vulnerable people. 9.Take personal responsibility for the relevant aspects of the clients Health and Safety Policy. 10.Ensure awareness and compliance with the clients policies, Code of Conduct and Constitution. 11.Evaluate and assist in managing risk within the service. If you are interested please apply. If you have any questions, please call Lauren on (phone number removed). Please note that no terminology in this advert is intended to discriminate on the grounds of a person's gender, marital status, race, religion, colour, age, disability or sexual orientation. Every candidate will be assessed only in accordance with their merits, qualifications and ability to perform the duties of the job