Senior Planning Ecologist Wakefield
Job description
Wakefield Council has taken a decisive step by declaring a Biodiversity Emergency and Ecological Crisis in March 2021. To further our commitment, we are seeking a passionate and dedicated individual with the requisite qualifications and experience to join us in the newly created role of Senior Planning Ecologist. This position will be an integral part of our highly successful Planning Service, specifically within the Planning Policy and Environment Team. Responsibilities: As the Senior Planning Ecologist, you will play a crucial role in providing expert ecological advice on planning applications and driving biodiversity net gain through planning. Your responsibilities will include: Acting as the lead for providing expert ecological advice on planning applications, ensuring compliance with ecological standards and regulations. Assessing ecological reports for planning applications, offering insightful feedback, and negotiating with developers to ensuring compliance with relevant regulations. Lead on the development and implementation of biodiversity net gain policies and processes in planning, including monitoring and reporting. Overseeing and mentoring/training the Planning Ecologist, ensuring their professional growth and development. Collaborating with Wakefield Council's Countryside and Greenspace Service to support the delivery of biodiversity net gain and nature recovery initiatives. Requirements: To thrive in this role, you should possess the following qualifications and experience: An undergraduate degree in Ecology or a related field. Relevant chartered professional ecological / environmental membership. Experience as a planning ecologist, providing advice on planning applications. Practical experience in the use of the Defra Biodiversity Metric and ability to undertake, interpret and scrutinise biodiversity net gain assessments. Knowledge of UK habitats and species and experience of undertaking ecological surveys and assessments. A relevant postgraduate qualification will be desirable. A valid driving licence is essential for this role. Why Choose Wakefield Council? At Wakefield Council, we value our employees and strive to create a positive and supportive work environment. We offer the following benefits: Flexible full-time working pattern of 37 hours per week. Generous holiday package of 31 days plus 8 Bank Holidays. Support and access to high-quality training programs to help you progress in your career. Commitment to staff well-being, including work/life balance, supportive leadership, and workplace support. Access to a range of employee support products. Discounts and subsidies for public transport, including Arriva Bus Annual Travel Ticket, Northern Trains Limited (NTL), and MetroCard. Participation in the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS). Excellent benefits package, including discounted membership to our state-of-the-art leisure facilities, free 12-week exercise program with a dedicated personal trainer, discounts for various retail, entertainment, health, and leisure providers, cycle-to-work scheme, and more. Interviews will take place in September. For further information please contact : Steven Wright at , Tel: 07825174233. Morgan Stringer at , Tel: 07776512403 Job title Senior Planning Ecologist Job reference 237404 Date posted 14/07/2023 Application closing date 03/09/2023 Location Wakefield One, Burton St, Wakefield WF1 2EB Salary £38,296.00 to £41,496.00, Grade 10 Package Blank ual hours 37 Basis Full time Job category/type , Planning Attachments Job description Wakefield Council has taken a decisive step by declaring a Biodiversity Emergency and Ecological Crisis in March 2021. To further our commitment, we are seeking a passionate and dedicated individual with the requisite qualifications and experience to join us in the newly created role of Senior Planning Ecologist. This position will be an integral part of our highly successful Planning Service, specifically within the Planning Policy and Environment Team. Responsibilities: As the Senior Planning Ecologist, you will play a crucial role in providing expert ecological advice on planning applications and driving biodiversity net gain through planning. Your responsibilities will include: Acting as the lead for providing expert ecological advice on planning applications, ensuring compliance with ecological standards and regulations. Assessing ecological reports for planning applications, offering insightful feedback, and negotiating with developers to ensuring compliance with relevant regulations. Lead on the development and implementation of biodiversity net gain policies and processes in planning, including monitoring and reporting. Overseeing and mentoring/training the Planning Ecologist, ensuring their professional growth and development. Collaborating with Wakefield Council's Countryside and Greenspace Service to support the delivery of biodiversity net gain and nature recovery initiatives. Requirements: To thrive in this role, you should possess the following qualifications and experience: An undergraduate degree in Ecology or a related field. Relevant chartered professional ecological / environmental membership. Experience as a planning ecologist, providing advice on planning applications. Practical experience in the use of the Defra Biodiversity Metric and ability to undertake, interpret and scrutinise biodiversity net gain assessments. Knowledge of UK habitats and species and experience of undertaking ecological surveys and assessments. A relevant postgraduate qualification will be desirable. A valid driving licence is essential for this role. Why Choose Wakefield Council? At Wakefield Council, we value our employees and strive to create a positive and supportive work environment. We offer the following benefits: Flexible full-time working pattern of 37 hours per week. Generous holiday package of 31 days plus 8 Bank Holidays. Support and access to high-quality training programs to help you progress in your career. Commitment to staff well-being, including work/life balance, supportive leadership, and workplace support. Access to a range of employee support products. Discounts and subsidies for public transport, including Arriva Bus Annual Travel Ticket, Northern Trains Limited (NTL), and MetroCard. Participation in the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS). Excellent benefits package, including discounted membership to our state-of-the-art leisure facilities, free 12-week exercise program with a dedicated personal trainer, discounts for various retail, entertainment, health, and leisure providers, cycle-to-work scheme, and more. Wakefield Council
