Senior Ecologist

Senior Ecologist

Hours: 37
Salary: HC07
Contract: Permanent
Closing date: 17 May 2026, 11:59pm
Interview date: w/c 25 May 2026

The Role

Herefordshire Council is looking to appoint a Senior Ecologist to join our Natural Environment function within the Economy & Environment Directorate. This is a key professional role providing expert ecological advice across the planning system and wider council activity. You will play an important part in protecting and enhancing Herefordshire's biodiversity, supporting sustainable development and helping to deliver the council's ambitions around nature recovery networks and biodiversity net gain.

Responsibilities

• Provide high quality, proportionate ecological advice to internal colleagues and external stakeholders.
• Advise on planning applications, including interpretation of wildlife and habitats legislation and the undertaking and recording of Habitats Regulations Assessments.
• Provide specialist advice on impacts to designated sites, habitats and species, including nutrient matters and ecological mitigation.
• Support Environmental Impact Assessment processes, including screening, scoping and consultant briefs.
• Negotiate with applicants, agents and consultees, working closely with Development Management case officers to agree appropriate mitigation, conditions and enhancements.
• Prepare reports, statements and written evidence, and attend planning committees, hearings or inquiries as a specialist witness.
• Provide ecological input to forward planning, policy development and site development briefs.
• Undertake site visits and surveys, including assessment of hedgerows in line with the Hedgerow Regulations.
• Support enforcement investigations relating to potential breaches of ecological legislation.
• Represent the council at meetings, forums and public events, promoting biodiversity and ecological best practice.

About You

• A degree (or equivalent) in ecology, nature conservation or a closely related discipline.
• Membership of, or active progression towards membership of, a relevant professional body such as CIEEM.
• Strong knowledge of wildlife legislation, ecological best practice and how these apply within the planning system.
• Experience of providing technical ecological advice, including Habitats Regulations Assessment.
• Experience of managing competing priorities, tight deadlines and multiple work streams.
• Knowledge of ecological field survey techniques and the statutory protection of trees and hedgerows.
• The ability to interpret technical reports, legislation and policy and present clear, balanced advice to a range of audiences.
• Strong communication skills and confidence working with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• A full driving licence and the ability to travel throughout the county and undertake site visits, including over rough terrain.

Benefits

• Salary range of £31,067 - £35,235.
• Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
• Clear opportunities for professional learning and career development.
• 31 days' annual leave (pro rata) plus bank holidays, with the option to purchase up to 10 additional days.
• Flexible working options, including agile working arrangements.
• Employee Assistance Programme with 24/7 access to support.
• Contribution towards professional membership fees where role related.
• A wide range of savings and discounts through our employee benefits scheme.

Commitments

• We support candidates who are disabled, part of the Armed Forces Covenant or a Herefordshire care leaver.
• We provide reasonable adjustments through Hoople Resourcing; if you require alternative methods for the online application process, please contact .

How to Apply

Submit an up to date CV and complete the application form demonstrating your experience, skills and abilities for the role. Contact for further information.