Planning Ecologist

We have an exciting opportunity for a Fixed Term, Part Time, Planning Ecologist to join the Natural Environment Team within Environment and Sustainability.

About the team

The Natural Environment Team leads the City Council's efforts to conserve and enhance biodiversity across Southampton and consists of ecologists, a volunteer coordinator and ranger team.

About the role

The Planning Ecologist will provide expert ecological advice through the planning system, helping to safeguard and enhance Southampton's biodiversity across designated sites, protected species, priority habitats, Biodiversity Net Gain and nature recovery. You will lead on Biodiversity Net Gain compliance, support effective mitigation and enhancement measures, and advise on ecological policy, strategy and planning proposals including the Local Plan Review.

Responsibilities

• Providing specialist ecological advice on planning applications and development proposals, including potential impacts on designated sites, protected species and priority habitats.
• Acting as the Council's lead advisor on mandatory Biodiversity Net Gain, ensuring compliance and promoting best practice.
• Supporting the effective delivery of mitigation, compensation and biodiversity enhancement measures through the planning process and enforcement activity.
• Working closely with Planning Officers, developers, statutory bodies and external partners to achieve positive environmental outcomes.
• Contributing to the Local Plan Review, advising on ecological policy and providing evidence on biodiversity implications of development and regeneration strategies.

Qualifications

• A Degree (or equivalent) in ecology or a related subject.
• Substantial ecological experience, ideally within a planning or development management context.
• Strong knowledge of UK ecology, survey and mitigation methods, relevant legislation, and mandatory Biodiversity Net Gain requirements.
• Ability to interpret technical information and provide clear, evidence-based advice that secures strong ecological outcomes.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills, with the ability to build effective relationships and manage a varied workload in a busy local authority environment.

For further information about this role please view the job description.

If you feel you have the necessary background, experience and skills to undertake this role we would like to hear from you.

What we can offer you

Salary: The salary band for this role is £47,181 - £51,357. The starting salary is £47,181 with annual progression through the salary bands.

Benefits include:

• Excellent local government pension with 15.2% employer contribution
• Death in service benefit of x3 salary, and optional salary sacrifice shared cost AVC (additional voluntary contribution)
• Generous holiday 25-31 days, based on role and service
• Flexible working options (role-dependent)
• Family-friendly policies - Maternity, Paternity, Adoption, Shared/Unpaid Parental Leave, Time off for Dependents
• Training and development, including coaching and mentoring
• Health and wellbeing support - Employee Assistance Programme, Menopause Pledge, Mental Health First Aiders and access to a variety of staff networks
• Veteran-friendly employer with the Armed Forces Covenant
• Retail discounts and savings through the Southampton City Council benefits platform
• Discounted memberships at local sports and fitness centres
• Sustainable travel benefits - low emission car scheme, cycle to work, season ticket loans
• Employee volunteering scheme with 2 paid days leave to volunteer

This role is not eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK at the time of application.

Interview Information

Interviews are scheduled for week commencing 20th July 2026.

Recruitment contact details

Email: Tel:

Additional information

• Please note the salary quoted is based on full time hours (37 hours per week)
• The working hours for this role are 7.4 hours per day, 3 days per week.
• This is a fixed term position.
• This post is fixed term until 31/03/2028.
• Please note that appointments are usually made at the bottom of the salary scale.