Overview

New Forest District Council is planning positively for the future and investing in its planning service to ensure it delivers high quality development in one of the most attractive and environmentally sensitive areas of the country, while protecting its rich and diverse natural environment. A new opportunity has arisen for an Ecologist to join the planning service which covers New Forest district outside of the New Forest National Park.
New Forest District has a great wealth of nature conservation designations and rare habitats. Substantial parts of the district are of nature conservation value including international Ramsar sites, European Special Protection Areas (SPA) and Special Areas of Conservation (SAC), national Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), nature reserves, and locally designated Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC). While the internationally protected New Forest SPA/SAC/Ramsar site is beyond our planning boundary area, our responsibilities for protecting the New Forest has a significant influence on our work, as does protecting and safeguarding the internationally important habitats of Southampton Water and the Solent, and the Rivers Avon and Test that lie within our area.
 
New Forest District is a wonderful place to live and work, and probably one of the most interesting places for an ecologist to work. You will be based at our offices are in the heart of the New Forest National Park at Lyndhurst and be able to enjoy the benefits of a National Park on your doorstep, easy access to the coast, and the wide range of amenities on offer in nearby Southampton and Bournemouth. The Council has invested in enabling smarter working practices with a programme of enhanced workspaces and technology.
 
We are looking for a qualified and experienced Ecologist who is familiar with working in the planning /development context and has a good understanding of the application of the principles of SEA, EIA, HRA. You will have a relevant qualification and a minimum of 3 years relevant experience in a relevant role, preferably including within a local planning authority. You will need good communication and customer care skills, a valid driving licence and access to a vehicle.

Ecologist (P10655)
Location: Appletree Court, Lyndhurst, Hampshire
Hours: 37 hours per week
Salary: up to £40,446 per annum

Benefits include:

  • 26 days leave (plus an additional 5 days after 5 years’ service)
  • Payment of professional subscription
  • Local Government Pension Scheme
  • Employee Assistance Programme
  • Professional development opportunities

If you think this role could be for you we would love to hear from you. Give Louise Evans (Tel. 02380285588) a call for an informal discussion.

Closing date for applications is Midnight, 18th December 2019

Provisional interview date 14th January 2020 (there may be some flexibility if another date is required)

adobe icon Ecologist JD [90kb]

adobe icon Person Specification [45kb]

Apply Online Here