Senior Ecologist
Location: Council Offices, Southfield Road, Loughborough, LE11 2TX
Start Date: ASAP
Contract Duration: 5+ months
Working Hours: Mon – Fri, 09:00 – 17:00
Pay Rate: £ 41.69 per hour
Job Ref: OR22659
Job Responsibilities
Provide professional advice on integrating biodiversity within development projects, ensuring a consistent approach to Biodiversity Net Gain.
Advise planning applicants and case officers within statutory and agreed timescales to prevent net loss in biodiversity, in line with statutory, national, and local policies.
Monitor delivery of Biodiversity Net Gain plans and support the Planning Enforcement Team in investigations and enforcement actions.
Maintain records, conduct surveys, and monitor Local Wildlife Sites (LWS) to conserve and enhance important nature sites.
Commission and manage contractors for environmental surveys to maintain up-to-date wildlife habitat records.
Prepare and implement management plans and habitat creation schemes, liaising with stakeholders and supervising contractors or volunteers.
Prepare and present reports on ecological and biodiversity matters to relevant Council Committees.
Collaborate with the County Council to ensure effective data collection and maintenance of the Leicester and Rutland Environmental Record Centre, overseeing the Service Level Agreement.
Liaise with Council divisions, County Council departments, Town/Parish Councils, and external agencies on heritage and ecology matters, attending meetings, presentations, and exhibitions as needed.
Support team members to achieve service-related and corporate objectives.
Contribute to continuous improvement in customer service, ensuring all work meets defined performance standards.
Undertake additional duties appropriate to the role and grade.
Ensure secure handling of information and report any breaches in line with Council policies.
Person Specification
Must-Have Requirements
Eligible to work in the UK
Full driving licence
Minimum of 3 years’ relevant work experience
Ability to provide professional references/work history
Signed Confidentiality Agreement
Current CV
Nice-to-Have Requirements
Experience in planning and development-related ecology
Familiarity with statutory biodiversity legislation and policies
Experience managing contractors and volunteers
Knowledge of Local Wildlife Sites and habitat management
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