Job Title: Principal Ecologist
Hours: 37 hours per week
Salary: £46,142 – £50,269 per annum
Contract: Permanent
Closing date: 30th April 2026
Interview date: 8th May 2026
This is an exciting time to join the Highways and Public Realm team at Herefordshire Council.
We’re transforming how highways and public realm services are delivered across Herefordshire, bringing them back under direct Council control for the first time in years. From June this year, we’ll be working in a new way that gives us greater flexibility, more local accountability, and a sharper focus on quality and value for money.
By joining us now, you’ll be part of a team shaping the future of essential services that residents rely on every day from maintaining roads and green spaces to keeping our streets clean and safe.
We can offer the chance to make a real difference in your community, work with a dedicated team, and help deliver improvements that matter. If you’re looking for a role where you can take pride in what you do and be part of positive change, we’d love to hear from you.
What will you be doing?
In this role you will play a crucial role in the delivery of highway design and construction projects through the provision of expert advice relating to ecological effects and mitigation, developing and implementing strategies and plans, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation, and collaborating with various stakeholders to protect our natural environment.
About You
As a Principal Ecologist you will:
- Be educated to degree level or equivalent in Ecology or a related field and/or substantial work experience.
- Hold at least two licences to conduct protected species surveys.
- Have comprehensive knowledge and experience of undertaking field survey work including habitat surveys of but not limited to dormice, bats, badgers and crayfish.
- Have the ability to produce high quality, accurate work to tight deadlines, including the completion of Hazard Risk Safety Assessments and Flood Risk Activity Permits.
We Offer
A competitive salary, holiday entitlement, and access to our contributory pension and staff benefits scheme, which includes:
- Salary range of £46,142 – £50,269
- Enrolment in the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
- Career progression: clear pathways to progress
- Annual Leave: 31 days’ annual leave (pro rata) plus bank holidays. You can also purchase an additional 10 days per annum during the request period
- Flexible working: including the potential for job-sharing, part-time hours and agile working.
- Employee Assistance Programme: 24/7 access to support and counselling
- Payment of professional membership fees (based on role requirements)
- Pick your perks – our benefits include access to a range of retail, leisure, holiday and health benefits. This includes savings, cash back and discounts.
How to apply
To apply for a position, please upload an up-to-date CV and complete the application form demonstrating your experience, skills and abilities for the role.
For more information or to arrange an informal discussion about the role, please contact: Ed Bradford, Major Contracts Programme Director, ed.bradford@herefordshire.gov.uk
Be sure to include reference to the job description and person specification or role profile! If you are successfully shortlisted, Hoople Resourcing will contact you via email to arrange your interview and/or assessment. They will confirm the date, time and location of your interview, so please keep an eye on your email inbox – check your spam/ junk folder too. Good luck, we’re looking forward to meeting you!