Senior Ecologist (Biodiverse Consulting)

Role Summary

A Senior Ecologist focused on Biodiversity Net Gain and Planning typically leads the ecology aspects of planning projects, ensuring that proposed developments leave a net positive impact on the environment. This involves assessing existing ecological conditions, evaluating the potential impacts of development, and developing mitigation measures to enhance biodiversity.

As a senior member of the ecology team, you will be responsible for the management and safe delivery of a range of complex and interesting projects on time and on budget, working with clients, collaborators, and sub-contractors, where required.

You will work with clients, colleagues and collaborators in a professional, competent and friendly manner and deliver work within and adhering to Biodiverse Consulting’s framework of policies and procedures.

Role Responsibilities

1. Conduct thorough assessments of existing biodiversity, habitat conditions, and ecological features to determine the baseline for BNG calculations.
2. Provide expert advice on ecological planning matters, helping to integrate biodiversity considerations into the planning process.
3. Design and implement habitat enhancement projects, including creating new habitats, restoring degraded areas, and managing existing ones to achieve net positive biodiversity gains.
4. Respond to planning consultations, providing expert ecological input and ensuring that planning proposals adequately address ecological considerations.
5. Collect, analyse, and interpret data related to ecology, biodiversity, and environmental conditions.
6. Prepare detailed reports on ecological assessments, BNG calculations, and proposed mitigation measures.
7. Work closely with other professionals, including planners, developers, and consultants, to ensure that ecological considerations are integrated into planning projects.
8. Ecology service design, input and continuous improvement.

Key Areas of Focus

1. Aims to ensure that development projects leave a net positive impact on biodiversity.
2. Developing plans to create new habitats or restore degraded areas to enhance biodiversity.
3. Identifying and enhancing networks of habitats to facilitate the movement of wildlife and support habitat bank creation and recommendations.
4. Assessing the potential environmental impacts of development projects and developing mitigation measures.

Person Specification

You will bring extensive consultancy experience and a strong understanding of BNG legislation, ecological planning policy, and habitat and species management. You will lead on BNG strategy and implementation, conducting thorough baseline assessments, designing measurable and effective enhancement plans, and ensuring compliance with national BNG requirements across a variety of development projects.

Your expertise in ecological planning will be central to the role, providing strategic advice to clients and stakeholders, responding to planning consultations, and contributing ecological input to planning applications and Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs). A proven ability to analyse ecological data and produce detailed, high-quality reports covering BNG calculations, mitigation measures, and habitat management plans is essential.

Experience in protected species licensing, including the design and implementation of mitigation schemes, is desirable.

How to Apply

Your application should take the form of a CV and cover letter detailing why your experience, knowledge and skills make you ideal for the role. Send to talent@biodiverseconsulting.co.uk

To view the applicant pack, please visit the ‘Join Us’ section on our website.

Hybrid working from our Newcastle/Rochester office. Remote may be considered for the right candidate.