Ecology Officer

Your new companyA Local Authority based in Cambridge is looking for an Ecology Officer to join their team of specialists as they help deliver Biodiversity Net Gain across their jurisdiction. They will sit within an experienced and motivated team who ensure that planning and development does not damage our remaining biodiversity but enhances it. Your new roleThe main duties of your new role will include:

• Consult, engage and advise customers, communities, colleagues, elected members and other interested parties as required by legislation. Lead/carry out the negotiations
• Manage a number of complex applications and/or projects involving multiple stakeholders
• Lead/carry out the negotiations
• Where relevant, to manage, support and mentor staff
• To prepare and give evidence and statements for different categories of planning appeals as required and appropriate to the grade and the role.
• Prepare professional reports, presentations, recommendations, and briefings with levels of supervision appropriate to the role, communicating complex issues clearly and succinctly.
• Contribute to the aims and objectives of delivering high-quality sustainable development

What you'll need to succeedEssential

• A minimum of 3 years' experience in an Ecology role or as a Local Government Ecologist
• An understanding of Biodiversity Net Gain and the use of the Standardised Biodiversity Metric
• An understanding of the relevant National Planning Policy Framework
• Experience of conducting protected species surveys
• Experience of evaluating reports
• A familiarity with GIS
• Experience of writing reports for a non-expert audience
• Ability to make key decisions quickly and efficiently

Desirable

• Experience as a Local Government Ecologist
• Local knowledge of the Greater Cambridge area
• Knowledge of Environmental Statements for applications that qualify for EIAs
• Knowledge of EIA Scoping and Screening opinions
• Knowledge of Habitat Regs Assessments and Appropriate Assessments
• Professional membership of CIEEM or equivalent (we can support this)
• Knowledge of District Level Licencing for great crested newts
• Working knowledge of key Judicial Review decisions and how they affect the way planning applications are dealt with by the planning system

What you'll get in return

• Government pension scheme
• Annual salary of £36,370 to £41,593
• 25 days' annual leave (plus Bank Holidays)
• Flexible hours
• Opportunities for training and qualifications

What you need to do nowIf you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.

Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at hays.co.uk