Senior Ecologist
We are looking for an individual with good habitat and species survey skills, experience of the planning system, the statutory metrics and the principles of Biodiversity Net Gain.
Overview
You will assist Environment and Design in delivering an integrated service across the disciplines of Ecology, Landscape, Heritage and Archaeology. You will support the Ecology Team in delivering specialist ecological services across the Council, including advising on development management and spatial planning, wildlife legislation, project development and land management. You will promote the integration of biodiversity issues into the work of the authority in line with its statutory duty under section 40 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act (2006) and the Environment Act (2021).
We encourage you to contact Stuart Priestley, Ecology Manager via email at stuart.priestley@durham.gov.uk to arrange an informal discussion about the role.
Responsibilities
* Assist Environment and Design in delivering an integrated service across Ecology, Landscape, Heritage and Archaeology.
* Support the Ecology Team in delivering specialist ecological services across the Council.
* Advise on development management and spatial planning, wildlife legislation, project development and land management.
* Promote biodiversity considerations in line with statutory duties under the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act (2006) and the Environment Act (2021).
What will I need?
You will need a Degree in Ecology or other relevant subject and a European Protected Species Licence.
You should have substantial experience of habitat and species surveys, condition assessments and site evaluation or proven experience in the sector. You will have excellent knowledge of protected species and UK and international wildlife legislation and experience of the development management planning system gained through ecological consultancy, working for a Local Planning Authority or other relevant mechanism. Please refer to the attached person specification for full criteria.
Benefits and rewards
* Competitive salaries (£40,777 to £45,091 per annum) and 27 days holiday per year rising to 32 days after five years’ service.
* Option to purchase up to 10 additional days annual leave per year.
* Excellent work/life balance through schemes including job sharing, compressed hours and flexi-time (up to 13 flexi days per year).
* Hybrid working (home and office).
* Contributory Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) with top up options via Salary Sacrifice AVC schemes.
* Wellbeing Portal and Employee Assist Scheme.
* Learning and development opportunities including professional qualifications, coaching and mentoring.
* Employee Benefits Portal and Lifestyle Savings Scheme.
* Discounted gym membership and staff networks supporting equality and inclusion.
* Trade Union membership and other salary sacrifice schemes such as car leasing.
Rewards and benefits are subject to individual terms and conditions. See https://www.durham.gov.uk/article/26895/Rewards-and-benefits for details.
Additional information
Social media — Keep an eye on Durham County Council opportunities on our social channels. Links: Instagram, Facebook
Hybrid working — Durham County Council operates a hybrid policy with a model of 2 days in the workplace and 3 days at home/remote. Arrangements are at manager discretion. Alternatively, you can work all contracted hours in the workplace if preferred.
Equality, diversity, and inclusion — We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all. We are Disability Confident and support applicants throughout the recruitment process. See https://www.durham.gov.uk/article/26899/Equality-diversity-and-inclusion-in-our-workforce for details.
Interviews — Interviews will be held on Wednesday 1 October 2025. We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants who meet essential criteria and who have disclosed certain personal circumstances.
How to apply
Applications must be submitted online via the Northeast Jobs portal. We are unable to accept CVs. Use the ‘Person Specification’ section to demonstrate essential and desirable experience, skills, and knowledge. For support, contact the Recruitment Team at RecruitmentNE@durham.gov.uk or 03000 262727 – Option 4.
Apply for Senior Ecologist. This role expires 14/09/2025.
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