The Role

Are you passionate about protecting nature and shaping how places grow at a strategic level? We’re looking for an experienced and motivated Principal Ecologist to lead our ecological work, drive biodiversity recovery, and ensure sustainable development across Herefordshire.

This is a key role where you’ll act as one of the Council’s principal advisers on ecology and Biodiversity Net Gain to Planning Services, influencing decisions at the highest level and helping to respond to the ecological emergency with ambitious, evidence-based solutions.

What will you be doing?

• Lead and manage a team of ecologists, supporting their professional development and ensuring high-quality, consistent advice across the service.
• Oversee and co-ordinate ecological input to planning, including major and complex applications, while shaping strategic approaches to ecological issues.
• Act as one of the Council’s lead technical advisers on ecology, providing expert advice internally and externally, including to Planning, Members, partners and stakeholders.
• Represent the Council at planning appeals including hearings, inquiries and public forums acting as an expert witness when required.
• Work collaboratively with internal teams, developers, statutory bodies and environmental partners to conserve and enhance the natural environment across the county.
• Contribute to strategic initiatives, including development of nature recovery and ecological strategies, and support funding and project delivery opportunities.

You will work collaboratively with colleagues across Planning, Environmental and Energy Management, Highways, Parks and Legal Services, as well as with external partners including Natural England, the Environment Agency and local wildlife organisations.

About You

You will have:

·         A minimum of a BSc (Hons) in Ecology or equivalent.

·         Full member of CIEEM or capable of meeting this status.

·         Significant demonstrable experience of providing technical advice for Ecology and Habitats Regulations Assessment in relation to major and/or complex planning applications.

·         Experience of and/or willingness to lead on assessing the ecological impacts of nutrients of both projects and plans.

·         Detailed knowledge and experience of applying UK and EU wildlife regulation and ecological best practice, supported by a working knowledge of planning policy.

·         Experience of dealing with multiple work streams and working to tight deadlines.

·         A full driving licence and the ability to travel throughout the county and undertake site visits, including over rough terrain.