Overview

We’re looking for an enthusiastic and experienced Principal Ecologist to join our Development Management team and help drive nature recovery across the borough.

Maidstone Borough Council declared a Biodiversity and Climate Emergency in 2019 and has since adopted ambitious goals, including a 20% Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) requirement for new development and a refreshed Biodiversity Action Plan (2025).

In this role, you will:

  • Provide expert ecological advice on planning applications, ensuring developments maximise opportunities for enhancement and mitigation.
  • Work closely with planners to secure positive outcomes for biodiversity through planning conditions.
  • Support the council’s duties to protect and enhance biodiversity across all functions, contributing to strategic policy and nature recovery priorities aligned with the emerging Kent & Medway Local Nature Recovery Strategy.
  • Lead the implementation and delivery of BNG across the borough.

We’re seeking someone dynamic and collaborative—comfortable negotiating, problem-solving, and working with partners, developers, and internal teams to deliver sustainable habitat networks and improved ecological resilience.

About you

  • You are a proactive and dynamic individual with a passion for nature recovery and climate action. As a qualified Ecologist, with a degree in ecology, environmental science or a related discipline (or equivalent), you will be able to demonstrate experience in ecological planning, biodiversity management, and/or habitat restoration.
  • You have a developed understanding of the local authority and UK planning context in relation to biodiversity, including Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG). A relevant postgraduate qualification and CIEEM membership will be considered positively.
  • You have excellent communication skills and can evidence the ability to prepare and present advice and reports to a variety of audiences. You have worked effectively with stakeholders to present information and collaborated to deliver successful and complex project outcomes.
  • You are informed in respect of the requirements of local authorities by virtue of the Environment Act 2021 and have an understanding of ecosystem services and the principles of nature recovery.
  • Experience in developing and managing habitat banks or similar initiatives would be considered an advantage.
  • A full UK driving licence is essential.

This post is considered to require political sensitivity and the councils’ Politically Restricted Posts Policy applies. If you would like further information on this, please contact us at hrsupportteam@midkent.gov.uk

If you would like to discuss this position, please contact Anna Stevens, Heritage, Landscape and Trees Team Leader, at AnnaStevens@maidstone.gov.uk

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