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 DISCLAIMER: By applying for this vacancy, you consent to your personal information being shared with our client and any relevant third parties we engage with, for the purpose of assessing your suitability specific organizations or hireSrs to whom you do not wish your details to be disclosed