Ecological Planning Officer/ Senior Officer
At The Wolseley Centre, Wolseley Bridge, ST17 0WT/Hybrid
Contract Type: Permanent
Salary: £26,250 to £30,500 depending on role and experience
Staffordshire Wildlife Trust is looking for a motivated and detail-focused Ecological Planning Officer to help ensure development across the county protects and enhances wildlife.
In this role you will review and respond to planning applications, primarily those covered by our Service Level Agreements with Local Planning Authorities. You will assess ecological information including protected species surveys, habitat assessments and Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) proposals, and provide ecological advice to planners, developers and consultants.
About You.
We are looking for someone with experience in conservation, ecology or environmental planning and a good understanding of wildlife legislation and the planning process. You will have strong analytical and communication skills, a keen eye for detail and the ability to manage a varied workload while meeting deadlines.
This role would suit someone with experience in ecological consultancy, conservation organisations, or within the planning system who is looking to apply their knowledge to secure positive outcomes for wildlife.
About the Role.
While the role is ideally suited to an experienced Ecological Planning Officer, we are also keen to hear from those at the start of their career. Applicants may therefore be appointed at either the junior or senior level, depending on their qualifications, experience and demonstrated capability. The starting salary and level will reflect the successful candidate’s level of professional experience and knowledge, and the amount of support and supervision required.
Through this role you will help influence planning decisions across Staffordshire and ensure development contributes positively to nature recovery.
About Us.
“Staffordshire Wildlife Trust protects and enhances the wildlife and wild places of Staffordshire and promotes understanding, enjoyment and involvement in the natural world.”
A registered charity established in 1969, we are one of 46 county Wildlife Trusts throughout the UK and are supported by over 18,000 members.
The Trust owns or manages 45 nature reserves covering an area of over 1900 hectares. We have around 130 staff, based in six locations around the county including our Headquarters at Wolseley Bridge, Stafford, with our work divided up into four departments: Conservation Delivery & Engagement, Fundraising and Development, HR & Support Services, and Resources. The Trust has a diverse workforce including site wardens, wildlife surveyors, community and education officers, catering, retail and administration.
In addition, we have a trading company which looks after the trading side of our business. This includes a café at The Wolseley Centre, charity shops in Penkridge and Codsall, and a retail shop in the Wolseley Centre.
We’re Wild About Inclusion! To us, this means inspiring, empowering and engaging people from all backgrounds, cultures, identities and abilities, to change the natural world for the better. It means creating workspaces where difference is celebrated, everyone can be themselves and flourish, just like nature.
Staffordshire Wildlife Trust is committed to keeping children and young people safe, you can see our policy here: https://www.staffs-wildlife.org.uk/our-policies Safeguarding and protecting our visitors, customers, members, staff and volunteers is the responsibility of every trustee, employee, and volunteer at Staffordshire Wildlife Trust. For applicable roles, applicants must be willing to undergo checks with past employers and Disclosure and Barring Service checks at the eligible level.
Disability Confident Employer. As a Disability Confident accredited employer, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for vacancies. We particularly encourage applications from people who are underrepresented within our sector, including people from minority backgrounds and people with disabilities. We are committed to creating a movement that recognises and truly values individual differences and identities.
At SWT, we are committed to creating a safe environment where discrimination, bullying, and harassment are not tolerated. We expect everyone to uphold, respect, and support our zero-tolerance policy.
Please be aware we may not accept applications if we have reason to believe they have been wholly produced using generative AI tools.
For more information and to request an application pack contact Staffordshire Wildlife Trust on jobs@staffs-wildlife.org.uk or visit our website www.staffs-wildlife.org.uk/jobs
Staffordshire Wildlife Trust is a registered charity. Charity No: 259558.
Closing Date: 9am on Monday 25 th May 2026
Interviews: Week commencing 8 th June 2026