Ecologist

Overview

Vacancy Hours: 22.5 hours per week, part time
Contract Type: Fixed term
Contract Duration: Two years
Weekend Working: No
Salary: £34,434 – £38,220 per annum pro rata
Location: Scarborough/Ryedale, North Yorkshire

Our Ecologists promote the protection and enhancement of the County’s biodiversity, ensuring that it is an integral part of the Council’s growth and place making agenda.

You will provide specialist ecological advice to ensure statutory requirements and Council objectives are met. This includes providing advice on the impact of development proposals where these affect the natural environment, supporting the preparation of the Council’s Local Plan, and helping to shape the delivery of biodiversity net gain in North Yorkshire.

The role is hybrid in nature, with a combination of working from home and attendance at either our Scarborough or Northallerton offices. Occasional travel will be required across the whole of North Yorkshire.

Duties and Responsibilities

In this varied and rewarding role, you will:

• Provide expert ecological advice on planning applications, site allocations, and biodiversity net gain proposals, undertaking site visits where appropriate.
• Support the preparation, implementation, and review of the statutory local development plan, including assessing the impact on biodiversity of site allocations.
• Support the development of nature-positive policies and guidance for developers, landowners, and the public.
• Help deliver ecological programmes and biodiversity projects with partners and communities.
• Contribute to habitat creation and restoration, including work with the minerals and waste industry.
• Deliver training and build in-house capacity on biodiversity and ecological matters.
• Assist with statutory duties under the NERC Act 2006 and Environment Act 2021.

Experience / Qualifications:

• Education to degree level in a relevant ecology/environmental subject.
• Knowledge of current English nature conservation legislation, guidance, and planning policy.
• Knowledge of legislation and policy relating to biodiversity net gain and its delivery through the development management process.
• Knowledge of British wildlife habitats and species.
• Experience in the provision of ecological advice in the UK planning system.
• Experience of liaison and negotiation with stakeholders and partners.
• Experience of managing workload within set deadlines; able to use own initiative to plan time effectively.

For an informal conversation about this opportunity, please contact Piran Borlase-Hendry, Environment Design Manager (Ecology): piran.borlase-hendry@northyorks.gov.uk.