About The Role
Role: Assistant Ecology Officer
Location: Chorley (Hybrid)
Contract: Part Time (0.6 FTE / 21.75 hours) / Permanent
Salary: £31,537 – £33,699
Closing Date: 19 October 2025
Are you passionate about protecting and enhancing biodiversity? We're looking for a motivated and enthusiastic Assistant Ecologist to join our dedicated team at Chorley Council. This is an exciting opportunity to support the delivery of nature recovery and biodiversity net gain (BNG) across the borough, working on a variety of projects that contribute to sustainable development and ecological resilience.
What you’ll be getting up to
Chorley Council thrives to be a green and sustainable borough, and to help achieve this we are preparing a Biodiversity Strategy to set a framework for nature recovery. The assistant ecologist will have a critical role in supporting the council’s ecological work across a broad range of exciting and impactful areas. Responsibilities will include:
* Support the Biodiversity Gain Project Lead to provide ecological advice to the Planning Department to help ensure developments contribute positively to biodiversity.
* Provide support in the preparation and delivery of Council publications such as the Biodiversity Strategy and Biodiversity Duty reporting.
* Provide a supporting role in the implementation of statutory Biodiversity Net Gain and creation of a Biodiversity Gain Site network in the borough.
* Conduct habitat and ecological surveys for the purposes of BNG and monitoring.
* Handle large sets of ecological and monitoring data, including mapping, analysis, and reporting to inform decision-making and monitor progress.
* Engage with local communities, stakeholders, and partners through outreach and education to promote nature recovery and ecological awareness.
Who we're looking for
We’re looking for someone who has attention to detail, enthusiasm and a commitment to protecting and enhancing biodiversity. The ideal candidate will have:
* A degree (or equivalent) in ecology, environmental science or related subject
* A good understanding of UK habitats, species and ecological principles
* Experience and knowledge of environmental legislation and ecological survey techniques
* Knowledge of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) principles and a willingness to learn
* Strong data handling and reporting skills
* Experience using GIS software for mapping and spatial analysis (ideally QGIS)
* Confidence in communicating ecological information to a range of audiences, including the general public
* A willingness to engage with local communities and stakeholders through outreach and engagement
* Strong verbal and written communication skills
Other requirements
* This role may require some travel around our boroughs. It is desirable for the candidate to have a valid driving license or the equivalent mobility.
* Membership of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM) or working towards gaining accreditation (the council will support the application and membership)
Our Benefits
* 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (and Christmas shutdown)
* Hybrid/agile working from day one
* Local Government pension
* Healthcare Cash Plan for cash back on health treatments
* Cashback website access for savings on brands you love
* Volunteering days
* Free parking
Many of our colleagues work flexibly for us. We’re always open to conversations around different working arrangements.
About Us
Chorley Council is dedicated to providing first-class services and promoting the well-being of the local community.
Working Together
We share a number of our services with South Ribble Borough Council.
Additional information
Applicants are advised to apply early. We reserve the right to close a vacancy prior to the closing date.
Equal Opportunities
We believe that everyone has the right to be treated with dignity and respect. We are committed to the elimination of unfair and unlawful discrimination and prejudice in all our policies, procedures, and practices.
We’re committed to making our recruitment practices barrier-free and accessible to everyone.
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