Wakefield Council has an exciting opportunity for an ecologist to joint our friendly, professional Planning Policy and Environment team to provide advice on biodiversity and ecology issues in planning. The Council adopted the Wakefield District Local Plan and Biodiversity Net Gain Supplementary Planning Document in 2024, which provide strong planning policies for environmental protection and enhancement. The Council also has a well established approach to biodiversity net gain assessment and monitoring. We are also working to progress local habitat banks and support the delivery of the emerging Local Nature Recovery Strategy in West Yorkshire. This position will be an integral part of our highly successful Planning Service. Responsibilities: As the Planning Ecologist, you will play a vital role in providing ecological advice on planning applications and supporting the implementation of biodiversity net gain through planning. You will collaborate closely with the Council's Countryside and Greenspace Service to address matters of biodiversity net gain and nature recovery. Key responsibilities include: Providing expert ecological advice and guidance on planning applications to ensure the protection and enhancement of our natural environment. Assessing ecological reports for planning applications, offering insightful feedback, and negotiating with developers to ensuring compliance with relevant regulations. Supporting the implementation of biodiversity net gain policies and processes in planning, including monitoring and reporting. Collaborating with the Council's Countryside and Greenspace Service to align efforts in achieving biodiversity net gain and nature recovery goals. Requirements: To excel in this role, you should meet the following requirements: Hold or be working towards an undergraduate degree in Ecology or a related field. Possess student membership of a relevant professional institute as a minimum. Knowledge of British flora and fauna, and the full breadth of associated habitats and ecosystems. Experience in assessing ecological reports for planning applications, or can demonstrate an equivalent level of theoretical, technical and procedural knowledge gained through study and / or volunteering. Possession of a full driving licence. Experience of using the Defra Biodiversity Net Gain Metric is desirable. Why Choose Wakefield Council? At Wakefield Council, we value our employees and strive to create a supportive and rewarding work environment. Here's what we offer: Flexible full-time working pattern of 37 hours per week. Generous holiday package Support and access to high-quality training programs to help you progress in your career. Commitment to staff well-being, including work/life balance, supportive leadership, and workplace support. Access to a range of employee support products. Discounts and subsidies for public transport, including Arriva Bus Annual Travel Ticket, Northern Trains Limited (NTL), and MetroCard. Participation in the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS). Excellent benefits package, including discounted membership to our state-of-the-art leisure facilities, free 12-week exercise program with a dedicated personal trainer, discounts for various retail, entertainment, health, and leisure providers, cycle-to-work scheme, and more. Want to Know More? If you would like to know more about the role, the recruitment process or working for Wakefield Council feel free to contact Morgan Stringer. Tel: 07776 512403 E-mail: morganstringer@wakefield.gov.uk