Herefordshire Council is seeking a passionate and inspiring Principal Ecologist.
Contract: Permanent
Salary: £40,778-£45,092
Hours: 37
Location: Hereford
Responsibilities
* Lead a team of technical officers to promote ecological conservation, enhancement and proper management of the wider natural environment across council-owned estates and the county as a whole.
* Act as a principal adviser in relation to Ecology and Biodiversity Net Gain, providing technical advice internally and externally.
* Provide technical advice to Planning and the Nutrient Mitigation lead on ecological matters.
* Provide conservation advice and develop best practice in relation to these matters.
* Work collaboratively with other teams across the council to address the council’s newly declared Climate and Ecological Emergency.
* Deputise for the Natural Environmental Team Leader in respect of natural environment matters as and when required.
About You
* Detailed knowledge and experience of applying UK and EU wildlife regulations and ecological best practice, supported by a working knowledge of planning policy.
* Experience of providing technical advice for Ecology and Habitats Regulations Assessment in relation to major and/or complex planning applications.
* Act as the lead technical adviser for Ecology, coaching and mentoring the team on technical issues.
* Ability to manage a team of ecologists and promote the professional development of staff.
* Ability to liaise with colleagues in planning, the wider authority and external bodies including local nature partnerships, Natural England and the Environment Agency.
In 2019 Herefordshire Council declared a climate emergency and committed to minimising our impact on the environment and aspiring to carbon neutrality by 2030. The scope of this declaration has now been broadened to encompass an ecological emergency, providing an exciting opportunity for the Natural Environment team to lead the way in developing new initiatives across both the council and the wider county through our work with local nature partnerships.
We Offer
* Salary range of £40,698 – £45,004
* Enrolment in the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
* Clear career progression pathways
* 31 days’ annual leave (pro rata) plus bank holidays; additional 10 days can be purchased per annum.
* Flexible working, including job‑sharing, part‑time hours and agile working.
* Employee Assistance Programme: 24/7 access to support and counselling.
* Payment of professional membership fees (based on role requirements).
* Pick your perks – access to retail, leisure, holiday and health benefits, including savings, cash back and discounts.
Reasonable Adjustments
Our recruitment process runs in partnership with Hoople Resourcing. If you require any reasonable adjustments or alternative methods for the online application process, please contact the resourcing team by email: [email protected].
Commitments, Covenants and Statutory Obligations
* Those who indicate that they have a disability – part of the “Disability Confident” scheme.
* Those who indicate in their application that they are an Armed Forces Veteran or Reservist – part of the Armed Forces Covenant.
* Those who indicate in their application that they are a Herefordshire care leaver – part of the commitment to support young people leaving our care.
How To Apply
To apply for this position, please upload an up‑to‑date CV and complete the application form demonstrating your experience, skills and abilities for the role.
For more information or to arrange an informal discussion about the role, please contact: Richard Vaughan, Head of Environment, [email protected].
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