Senior Ecologist

Senior Ecologist – 3 Month Contract Location: Council Offices, Southfield Road, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE11 2TX Rate: £60.00 per hour (Umbrella) Contract: 3 Month Contract Hours: Full Time Working Pattern: Hybrid 1 Day Per Week Office Based 4 Days Per Week Remote Pay: Bi-Weekly Summary Charnwood Borough Council is in search of a seasoned Senior Ecologist to deliver expert ecological guidance and support for various planning, development, conservation, and environmental initiatives.

This role, primarily remote with one day a week at the Council Offices in Loughborough, involves serving as the Council's ecological authority. You will provide insights on ecological issues, biodiversity needs, habitat conservation, and planning applications. This position offers a unique chance for an experienced ecology professional to significantly contribute to sustainable development while safeguarding and enhancing biodiversity throughout the Borough.

Key Responsibilities

Offer specialized ecological advice to Planning Officers, Councillors, and other Council services. Evaluate planning applications and review ecological surveys, reports, and mitigation strategies. Provide guidance on biodiversity, habitat conservation, species protection, and ecological best practices. Assist the Council in fulfilling its statutory ecological and environmental obligations.

Advise on Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) requirements. Review ecological impact assessments and habitat management plans. Counsel on protected species legislation and habitat conservation. Support the creation and execution of environmental and biodiversity initiatives. Collaborate with developers, consultants, statutory agencies, and internal stakeholders.

Deliver technical responses to planning consultations and development proposals. Ensure adherence to relevant environmental legislation, policy, and guidance. Contribute to ecological monitoring, policy development, and service enhancements as needed. Essential Requirements Requirements: Degree in Ecology, Environmental Science, Conservation, or a related field.

Extensive experience in an ecology role within Local Government, consultancy, or a related setting. Strong knowledge of: Ecology and Biodiversity Protected Species Legislation Habitat Regulations Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) Planning and Environmental Legislation Experience in reviewing ecological reports and environmental assessments.

Experience in providing ecological advice within the planning process. Excellent report-writing and communication skills. Ability to work independently and manage priorities effectively. Strong stakeholder engagement and advisory skills. Desirable Full membership of CIEEM. Protected Species Licences. Experience in Local Authority planning and development.

Experience supporting Biodiversity Action Plans and environmental strategies. Knowledge of current biodiversity and planning policy requirements. What's on Offer? £60.00 per hour (Umbrella) 3 Month Contract Hybrid Working 1 Day Per Week in the Office 4 Days Per Week Remote Bi-Weekly Pay Opportunity to serve as the Council's ecological specialist.

Engagement in planning, biodiversity, and environmental projects. Flexible working arrangement with predominantly remote work. Chance to contribute to biodiversity enhancement and sustainable development across the Borough. Ideal for candidates with experience as a Senior Ecologist, Principal Ecologist, Ecology Consultant, Biodiversity Officer, Environmental Advisor, Planning Ecologist, Ecological Consultant, or Conservation Officer.