Job Description
Senior Ecologist - Ebley Mill - Stroud
Reference: REQ0189
Are you enthused about nature recovery and biodiversity? Do you thrive in a busy and dynamic environment where your ecological expertise can make a real impact? If so, we want to hear from you!
We are seeking an experienced Senior Ecologist to join our Planning Department. In return, we offer flexibility in your working week, 2 paid wellbeing days, a generous annual leave allowance, significant pension contributions, and an extremely supportive work environment. This is a unique opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping sustainable development across our beautiful district, rich in natural heritage and ecological value. You will work to ensure development within the district contributes positively to our nature recovery programme.
What You’ll Be Doing:
1. Leading ecological input into planning applications, ensuring developments support biodiversity and comply with legislation.
2. Championing Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), helping to embed it into planning policy and practice.
3. Line managing and mentoring a talented team including an Ecologist and a BNG Officer.
4. Collaborating with planners, developers, and stakeholders to deliver nature-positive outcomes.
5. Driving innovation and best practice in ecological assessment and nature recovery.
6. Working with a wider Natural Environment Team within the council.
7. Cooperating with ecologists across neighboring LPAs.
What We’re Looking For:
* A qualified ecologist with significant experience in planning and development.
* Strong knowledge of BNG, ecological legislation, and policy.
* Proven leadership and line management skills.
* Excellent communication and collaboration abilities.
* A strategic mindset with a passion for making a difference.
Why Stroud?
Stroud District is renowned for its stunning landscapes, vibrant communities, and commitment to sustainability. At Stroud District Council, you'll be part of a team that values creativity, integrity, and action.
We offer flexible working, professional development, and the chance to contribute to impactful projects. Join us in shaping a district where nature thrives. Apply now and help us build a greener, more resilient future.
About Us and the Role
Stroud district is a vibrant, progressive area with active development and regeneration sectors. It boasts diverse ecological habitats, including tidal estuaries, the Severn Vale, and the Cotswolds AONB. The Council is committed to responding proactively to the Climate and Ecological Emergency, aiming to protect and enhance biodiversity and become a carbon-neutral district by 2030.
This role offers an exciting opportunity to maximize biodiversity net gain and support nature recovery to meet these ambitious targets. We provide a range of staff benefits, including flexible working, pension schemes, and wellbeing initiatives. For more details, visit https://www.stroud.gov.uk/jobs-and-careers/benefits-of-working-for-us.
We value diversity and encourage applications from all genders, ethnic backgrounds, and those with disabilities. Our commitment to safeguarding and safe recruitment practices applies to all vacancies.
Stroud District is a unique place—green, dynamic, climate-conscious, creative, collaborative, rural, urban, and ambitious. Discover more about what makes our community special at our dedicated website.
Region: Ebley Mill - Stroud
Salary: GBP 45,091 per annum
Package includes: Excellent pension scheme, Flexi Working Scheme, Hybrid working, Employee Wellbeing Offer. For more information, see the benefits section on our website.
Contractual hours: 37
Basis: Permanent
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