Overview

We currently have an exciting opportunity to join Lincolnshire County Council’s Planning Team as an Infrastructure Ecologist to assist and advise on the delivery of strategic infrastructure, including a growing number of Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs) that are emerging in Lincolnshire.  Additionally, you will take a lead role in monitoring the effective delivery and implementation of landscaping, ecological mitigation measures, and Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) commitments secured through the planning process.

We are looking for a highly motivated, organised and passionate ecologist to provide expert technical advice on Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs) and other development proposals to deliver the best possible outcomes for Lincolnshire residents and our environment. There are lots of exciting areas to be involved in and to have a positive impact on how we manage the natural environment across Lincolnshire.

Numerous energy and other major infrastructure projects are being brought forward in Lincolnshire. You will be working at the forefront of major infrastructure delivery across Lincolnshire, including large scale solar projects, energy from waste, carbon capture, transmission infrastructure and cable routes from off-shore wind farms, as well as a proposed new reservoir and more are expected.

You will be joining our friendly and supportive multidisciplinary infrastructure team of specialists to respond to the NSIPs which comprise some of the biggest planning projects the County faces. This post will involve collaborative working with promotors, applicants, communities, and stakeholders. The successful candidate will carry out a range of duties, including undertaking ecological field surveys and inspections, representing the Council at meetings and appearing at examinations, inquiries and hearings.

About you

We are looking for someone who is comfortable working at a strategic level with a broad variety of decision-makers and stakeholders.

We invite applications from individuals who can:

  • Demonstrate experience and knowledge of ecology/biodiversity/landscape work within the Planning system including carrying out site inspections and field surveys.
  • Are knowledgeable of Town and Country planning and ecological legislation and good practice, including the requirements of the Environment Act 2021 in respect of BNG.
  • Have the ability to assess complex planning proposals, in particular NSIP’s in respect of ecology and biodiversity.
  • Display excellent communication and problem solving skills and confident in liaising with officers, councillors, applicant’s, the public and other stakeholders.
  • Demonstrate excellent project management skills and the ability to provide expert technical advice in a timely manner.

On occasion we receive significantly more applications than expected for some vacancies and under such circumstances we reserve the right to bring forward the closing date of the advertisement. We therefore strongly advise you to apply for the role promptly to avoid disappointment should the closing date be brought forward.

For a confidential and informal discussion about the role please contact: Justine Foster – Infrastructure Manager via email: justine.foster@lincolnshire.gov.uk

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