The Role

Herefordshire Council are seeking a passionate and inspiring Principal Ecologist.

What will you be doing?

Joining a multi-award winning team, including the LGC Environment 2024 and RTPI Excellence award in 2024 you would act as a principal advisor primarily in relation to Ecology and Biodiversity Net Gain matters and your main duties would include:

• Leading team of technical officers to promote ecological conservation, enhancement and proper management of the wider natural environment, across both council owned estates and the county as a whole.
• To act as a principal adviser in relation to Ecology and Biodiversity Net Gain, providing technical advice both internally and externally.
• Provision of technical advice to both Planning and the Nutrient Mitigation lead on Ecological matters.
• Providing conservation advice and the development of best practice in relation to these matters.
• Working collaboratively with other teams across the council to address the council’s recently declared Climate and Ecological Emergency.
• Deputising for the Natural Environmental Team Leader in respect of natural environment matters as and when required.

About you

As Principal Ecologist, you will have:

• Detailed knowledge and experience of applying UK and EU wildlife regulation 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 to promote the professional development of staff.
• To liaise with colleagues in planning, the wider authority and external bodies including local nature partnerships as well as key stakeholders including Natural England and the Environment Agency.

We offer

• A competitive salary, holiday entitlement, and access to our contributory pension and staff benefits scheme, which includes:
• Salary range of £40,698 – £45,004
• Enrolment in the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
• Career progression: clear pathways to progress
• Annual Leave: 31 days’ annual leave (pro rata) plus bank holidays. You can also purchase an additional 10 days per annum during the request period
• Flexible working: including the potential for 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 – our benefits include access to a range of retail, leisure, holiday and health benefits. This includes savings, cash back and discounts.