We now have an exciting summer intern post available in our Planning Services Team as assistant to our Senior Ecologist. Planning for South Staffordshire This is a fantastic opportunity for an ecology student or graduate to join our planning team as an assistant to our in-house Senior Ecologist for a 6-8 week placement (3 days per week). The Senior Ecologist provides specialist advice on development proposals affecting the natural environment including protected sites, habitats and species as well as Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG). We’ve invested significant additional resources into our planning service, and the addition of this post will underpin our commitment to the climate change agenda and make a positive difference to the place and people of South Staffordshire. The ideal candidate will be a current ecology student or recent graduate, and this post will provide you with hands on experience in a learning environment under the mentorship of an experienced ecologist. With support, you’ll contribute to the review of development proposals that may affect the natural environment including protected sites, habitats and species, and help inform the planning process with ecological input. You will also assist in providing responses to advice and consultation requests to support the delivery, integration and application of biodiversity net gain. We can be flexible with working hours for the right candidate. At South Staffordshire council, Development Management, Strategic Planning and Planning Enforcement work together as a team to provide a holistic service, with everyone playing their part and supporting one another. We are also rightly proud of our positive relationship with elected Members and our local communities. South Staffordshire is a diverse district, made up of a collection of large and small villages, each with its own distinctive character set in an attractive semi-rural area on the western edge of the West Midlands conurbation. Around 80% of the district is Green Belt and we have a rich legacy of historic buildings and conservation areas. We are also home to some major employers such as Jaguar Land Rover and Moog Aerospace on our i54 South Staffordshire site, one of our 4 strategic employment sites. Why work for South Staffordshire Council? We are an award-winning Council that has lots to offer. We support flexible and agile ways of working, have strong IT support, great access by road to the Council offices in Codsall and free car parking. We’re located within a 5-minute walk of Bilbrook train station which is a short journey from Wolverhampton station and 25 minutes from Birmingham New Street. Our main offices in Codsall have recently been modernised to provide a central community hub with partner organisations, local businesses, library, nursery, doctors’ surgery and cafe all in one central location. Our offices are light and bright, with break out areas, private meeting rooms, all benefitting from the latest modern technology. You are welcome to contact Development Management Team Manager, Helen Benbow, for an informal discussion about the vacancies by calling 07967 780962 or by e-mailing h.benbow@sstaffs.gov.uk Closing Date for Applications: If you would like to join our forward-thinking planning team, please apply no later than Tuesday 1st July 2025. Interviews will be held on Thursday 10th July 2025, you are advised to hold the morning of this date if you are applying for the post, an alternative date will not be offered.