Overview

Planning is about making the best use of land and making places where people want to live, work and play. Through preparation and implementation of land use planning policies and guidance, our work unlocks growth, contributing significantly towards our corporate priorities, and strives to protect and improve the built and natural environment. 

We are a council with a good track record of delivering Local Plans with a recently adopted Local Plan and work commencing on the preparation of a new Local Plan in the context of the Government’s recent reforms to Plan-making.

The team includes Ecology, Building Conservation, Landscape, Urban Design and Planning Policy Officers. The professional expertise in the wider service and Council makes it a great place to work and opportunities to develop skills and knowledge.  

About the role:

We are seeking a highly self-motivated and enthusiastic Senior Landscape and Ecology Officer to provide specialist advice on development schemes throughout the development management process. This role will also provide support the preparation of the Local Plan, supplementary planning documents and masterplans in relation to landscape matters.

Part of the role also involves liaising with outside bodies/stakeholders/interested individuals/expert bodies and statutory consultees in the preparation of the policy framework and attending and presenting papers to Working Groups, Cabinet, Portfolio Holders, as required.

What you will need:

  • Up to date knowledge of legislation, regulations and guidance associated with the Environment Act.
  • A professional qualification in ecology, landscape or related subject.
  • Full membership of a related profession institute / organisation e.g. Ecology and Environmental Management (IEEM).
  • Excellent communication skills for effective teamwork, client and stakeholder engagement, both written and spoken.
  • Good problem-solving skills.
  • Attention to detail.
  • Proficient in using IT and Microsoft.
  • Ability to manage time, workload and tight deadlines while remaining, focused, calm and professional.
  • Willingness to learn and share knowledge.

Please refer to the job description and person specification for full details of this exciting opportunity.

Why work for us? Our benefits include:

  • Holiday entitlement of 25 days, increasing to 29 days after 5 years plus bank holidays (with an option to buy up to 10 extra days each year subject to approval)
  • Generous pension scheme – contribute between 5.5% and 6.8% (depending on your salary) and the council will contribute 26%
  • Life assurance – a payment of three times your annual salary
  • flexible working options to enable work/life balance
  • agile working – ability to work in the office and from home
  • access to a unique employee benefits package which includes discounts and cashback on supermarkets, high street shops, holidays, mobile phones, electrical goods, savings and loan schemes and many other products and services
  • Salary sacrifice benefits including Cycle to Work scheme, Tusker Leased Car Scheme and SmartTech (buy the latest tech products interest free and repay through your monthly salary)
  • Rail and bus staff discounts
  • A range of Health and Wellbeing initiatives including an employee assistance programme
  • Discounted membership at Abbeycroft Leisure centres
  • A culture of learning inspiring staff to focus on continuous learning
  • Modern office accommodation

For more information:

For an informal discussion and further information please contact George Whalley, Service Manager Strategic Planning on 01284 757333 or email george.whalley@westsuffolk.gov.uk. Please note, we are unable to accept CVs, please follow the online application process to apply.

Job description

Person specification

Core values

Closing date: 9 November 2025 

Interview date: 26 and 27 November 2025 

West Suffolk Council has been rated in the top 10 councils for climate action and as a member of UK100 has demonstrated its commitment to a rapid transition to Net Zero with Clean Air in our communities. The council has declared a climate and biodiversity emergency and is committed to working towards net zero emissions by 2030.

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