What's involved with this role: Job Title: Senior Ecologist Ref: Durham 5270508 Pay rate: £16.37 per hour PAYE This role is for 3 days per week and those three days per week can be at the discretion of the post holder. Remote working The role: We’re looking for a passionate and knowledgeable Ecologist to help deliver integrated environmental services across Ecology, Landscape, Heritage, Climate Change, and Archaeology. Supporting the Ecology Team, you’ll provide expert ecological advice on development management and spatial planning, wildlife legislation, project development and land management as well as promoting the integration of biodiversity issues into the work of the authority in line with its statutory duty. Key responsibilities: Support the ongoing development and delivery of the Ecological Emergency Action Plan Help create, review, and implement the Local Nature Recovery Strategy in collaboration with partners Advise planners, councillors, and the public on biodiversity matters across all stages of planning, including surveys, conditions, enforcement, and appeals Assess impacts of plans on biodiversity, species protection, Habitat Regulations, and Biodiversity Net Gain Negotiate with planners, developers and agents on applications and planning obligations Act as expert witness at Public Inquiries when needed Provide specialist ecological advice across Council services and projects, including wildlife law and Habitat Regulations Assessments Assist in the preparation and promotion of biodiversity within the strategic development plan process Work with Council teams to manage land and properties for biodiversity Carry out habitat and species surveys, condition assessments, and biodiversity metrics for Council projects Organise protected species and habitat surveys; manage related projects and budgets Support the Local Site Partnership with data collection and reporting Maintain, develop and analyse GIS-based ecological data to support decision-making Write reports, provide advice, and lead or attend relevant meetings Respond to ecological emergencies as required What the client is looking for: Degree in Ecology or other relevant subject European Protected Species Licence Extensive experience of assessing planning applications for Local Planning Authorities Experience of using the statutory biodiversity metrics and knowledge of the supporting user guidance (either as a consultant ecologist or from an LPA perspective) Knowledge and experience of species and habitat survey techniques and guidance e.g. UK Habs, allowing assessment of ecological reports supporting planning applications Working knowledge of legislation and policy allowing assessment of planning applications Range of planning applications from householder through to large, multi-phase housing developments and solar farms Occasional meetings with applicants might be required Experience in producing or assessing Habitat Management and Monitoring Plans Experience of the development management planning system Experience of using and applying GIS (specifically ESRI’s ArcGIS) Excellent knowledge of protected species and wider UK and International wildlife legislation Good knowledge of species and habitat survey methodologies and guidance Good knowledge of the statutory metrics and the principles of Biodiversity Net Gain Willingness to work outside normal office hours on occasions as some evening and weekend working will be required and the ability to meet the transport requirements of the post How to Apply Quote the Job Title and Reference Number in your application. Submit your CV in Word format. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis—early submission is recommended. We will also add your details to our mail out lists. Please note you may receive details of roles outside of your immediate vicinity, as many candidates are able to relocate temporarily for work. Please disregard any such emails that are not of interest and let us know if you would rather not receive such mailouts and/or if you wish us to delete your details and prefer to apply direct to our advertised roles. If you do not hear from us within three working days, unfortunately your application has not been shortlisted on this occasion. Thank you for your interest in working with us. Please quote the Job Title & Vacancy Reference No. in your application, or we will be unable to match your CV to the role being applied for. "XI JE Please note that clients invariably ask us to strip out contact details from CVs before we submit them for consideration. This is always quicker and easier to do if you send your CV to us in Word format, rather than as a PDF please.