The administrative area of Sunderland City Council supports a diverse range of habitats, from ancient woodlands and unimproved grasslands to sandy beaches and sea cliffs, and the species these areas support. The local authority area also includes many sites designated for their nature conservation value, including 80 Local Wildlife Sites, 18 Sites of Special Scientific Interest and parts of the Northumberland Coast SPA and Ramsar site and Durham Coast SAC. Collectively, this biodiversity requires management and consideration across the functions of the Sunderland City Council. Sunderland City Council is seeking a suitably qualified and experienced Principal Ecologist to play a key role within its Strategic & Sustainable Plans Team. The post holder will ensure the Council meets its statutory responsibilities with regard to nature conservation by providing professional advice across the organisation. Duties include providing ecological expertise on planning proposals including Biodiversity Net Gain, supporting the development of policies and strategies to support sustainable growth and nature conservation within the city, securing positive management of council owned nature conservation sites, supporting the preparation of the Local Nature Recovery Strategy and providing line management and leadership for the ecology team. If you would like to discuss the role further, please contact Gary Baker at gary.baker1@sunderland.gov.uk. Applications should be made on-line. For further assistance contact Customer Enabling Services by email: jobs@sunderland.gov.uk Please note that CVs are not acceptable. Please note that all communication regarding your application for this post will be sent to the email address that you have registered online with North East Jobs, including your invitation to any online assessment you are required to undertake and your invite to interview if you are short-listed. Please check your email inbox after the closing date for notifications as you may not be notified by any other means. Please remember to check your junk mail items.