About the role

As a Natural Environment Officer (Ecology), your role involves providing specialist advice on natural environment issues, with a technical specialism in ecology. This will be principally in support of our Development Management Team, providing feedback on submissions in support of planning applications, including biodiversity net gain.

Additionally, you may be asked to contribute to the specialist monitoring, research and statistical activities to support the Planning Service.

What will you be doing?

The role involves offering timely written advice on ecology and the natural environment to support our development management team, our policy planners and other Council services. You’ll be a subject expert in your field and will be able to assist in the preparation of advice for meetings, site visits, and committees. As a proactive individual and excellent communicator, you’ll be able to balance enhancing our ecological and natural environment with the need to support growth, sustainability, and energy efficiency in West Northants.

Our Specialist Services function is made up of teams dedicated to the natural environment, historic environment and design so you will be part of an exciting peer group helping shape the future of West Northamptonshire.

About you

You will bring with you experience in the technical specialism in ecology.

With your in-depth knowledge of environmental legislation, best practice and statutory procedures, you’ll be able to offer comprehensive guidance and support to colleagues and customers to ensure best practice is followed. You’ll be dedicated to achieving positive outcomes for our ecology and the natural environment alongside enhancing new development and growth within West Northants. Your understanding of the Local Plan system, national and local planning policy will provide context for your expert guidance.

You’ll have the relevant qualifications required and be a member of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management or working towards your Assessment of Professional Competence. Experience with DEF, MasterGov or other planning related systems and mapping software would be helpful but not essential.