Overview

Help us create a greener future for Huntingdonshire.

At Huntingdonshire District Council, we’re committed to protecting and enhancing the natural environment while supporting sustainable growth across our district. We are looking for an enthusiastic and knowledgeable Ecology Officer to join our Development Management team and play a key role in delivering our environmental ambitions.

This is an excellent opportunity for an ecology professional who wants to influence planning decisions, support biodiversity enhancement and contribute to meaningful environmental projects that will leave a lasting legacy for local communities and wildlife.

About the role

As Ecology Officer, you will provide specialist ecological advice across a wide range of planning and environmental matters, helping to ensure that development proposals appropriately consider biodiversity, nature conservation and ecological impacts. Working closely with planning colleagues, developers, consultants, elected members and external stakeholders, you will support decision-making that balances sustainable growth with environmental protection.

You will assess planning applications and development proposals, provide expert advice on ecological issues, contribute to policy development and support the delivery of key environmental priorities, including Biodiversity Net Gain, Local Nature Recovery initiatives and the Council’s response to the Ecological Emergency. You’ll also assist with Habitat Regulations Assessments, provide specialist input to planning appeals and enforcement matters, and help ensure the Council meets its obligations under environmental legislation.

This is a varied and rewarding role that offers the opportunity to work on everything from major development schemes to strategic environmental initiatives, making a genuine contribution to the protection and enhancement of biodiversity across Huntingdonshire.

About you

We’re looking for someone with a degree in ecology, biology, landscape or a related discipline, together with membership of, or a commitment to working towards membership of, a relevant professional body. You will have experience in ecology and biodiversity, alongside a good understanding of the planning system, sustainable development and environmental legislation.

You will be confident interpreting ecological information and providing clear, practical advice to a wide range of audiences. Whether reviewing environmental reports, contributing to policy development or presenting recommendations to senior officers and members, you’ll combine sound technical knowledge with excellent communication skills and professional judgement.

You will be organised, proactive and solution-focused, with the ability to manage competing priorities and work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative team. Most importantly, you’ll be passionate about biodiversity, committed to delivering positive environmental outcomes and excited by the opportunity to influence how nature is protected and enhanced across the district.

An offer of employment is conditional upon having the right to work in the UK. HDC does not hold a Sponsorship Licence and is unable to provide a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) or take over sponsorship for any role.

Apply

To apply for this position, please complete the application form. The closing date is 9am 11 September 2026.

However, this is a rolling campaign and we’ll be reviewing applications on an ongoing basis and will close the advert early should we receive suitable applications, so please don’t delay in applying!

Should you have any additional questions regarding submitting an application, please contact the Recruitment Team at recruitment@huntingdonshire.gov.uk.

Apply for job