Ecologist (West Suffolk Council)

West Suffolk Council – Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP33 3YU

Ecologist

£39,513 – £44,711 per annum plus excellent employee benefits package

37 hours per week

Permanent

Closing date: 31 March 2025

Reference: R1622

West Suffolk is an innovative and ambitious council, and a great place to work.

Planning is about making the best use of land and making places where people want to live, work and play. Through preparation and implementation of land use planning policies and guidance, our work unlocks growth, contributing significantly towards our corporate objects, and strives to protect and improve the built and natural environment.

The team specialisms include Ecology, Conservation, Landscape, Urban Design and Planning Policy Officers. The professional expertise in the wider service and council makes it a great place to work and opportunities to develop skills and knowledge.

About the role

We are looking for a passionate Ecologist to expand on the well-rounded and knowledgeable Planning Strategy team to ensure the council is meeting its duties under the Environment Act 2021 in relation to biodiversity net gain.

Working with a wider team, you will provide specialist ecology advice and prepare policies on all aspects of biodiversity. You will support and be a key player in the council’s responses to biodiversity challenges and delivering government legislation.

What you will need

  • Strong technical knowledge of biodiversity issues
  • The ability to generate innovative and deliverable solutions.
  • A degree or working towards a degree or equivalent in ecology, conservation biology, environmental management or any related natural environment discipline.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills for effective teamwork, client and stakeholder engagement, both written and spoken
  • Good problem-solving skills and approach
  • Proficient in using IT
  • Ability to manage time, workload and tight deadlines while remaining, focused, calm and professional
  • Willingness to learn and share knowledge

If this is a challenge that you are interested in, we would like to hear from you.

For more information

For an informal discussion and further information please contact Marie Smith, Head of Planning Service on 01638 719260 or email: marie.smith@westsuffolk.gov.uk.

How to apply

To apply, please complete an application by visiting our website:

https://jobs.westsuffolk.gov.uk/ce0961li_webrecruitment/wrd/run/ETREC107GF.open?VACANCY_ID=6934377IIp&WVID=2862770hWe

Closing date: 31 March 2025.

We will evaluate candidates upon receipt of application. Therefore, please apply without delay.