Principal Ecologist and Biodiversity Officer

Overview

Location: Norwich

Application Deadline: Sunday, September 7, 2025

Salary Band: Band E £37,598 – £41,512

Hours: 37 hours per week

Contract Type: 2 posts available: 1 x Permanent contract / 1 x Fixed-term 2-year contract

Job Summary

Are you passionate about protecting and enhancing biodiversity? Do you want to influence how development and ecology coexist across South Norfolk and Broadland? Join our ambitious and forward-thinking Planning team as a Principal Ecologist and Biodiversity Officer.

As part of our dynamic One Planning team, you’ll be at the forefront of integrating ecology into planning decisions. You’ll provide expert advice on Protected species; Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), Habitats Regulations, and ecological impacts across a diverse landscape—from urban centres to rural parishes and market towns and across a large range of applications from householder, agricultural, residential, commercial and NSIP schemes.

You’ll help shape how we respond to environmental legislation and local priorities, you will collaborate across disciplines to embed biodiversity into sustainable growth strategies and will ensure that ecology and biodiversity is not just protected but enhanced through development.

We are therefore looking for a Principal Ecologist and Biodiversity Officer to work within our multi-disciplinary Majors team that is motivated and ambitious, is a strong team player and ready to play a vital role in helping to balance the delivery of the large growth agenda with protecting and enhancing the natural environment.

The post requires the ability to drive a car but offers a live/work balance with hybrid home and office working. Office days are located in the modern Horizon office building located just outside the historic City of Norwich, a university and cathedral city with a thriving regional arts scene and cosmopolitan culture situated in an area of exceptional natural beauty including The Broads and the Norfolk Coast. The city has the facilities of a regional capital and great transport links. The offices are served directly by city centre bus connections and has its own Beryl bike docking station as well as plentiful cycle parking.

Essential requirements

Professional qualification in Biology/Ecology or related science with relevant work experience and an understanding and knowledge of the planning system.

Full UK driving license and access to a car.

Please refer to the attached Role Profiles for further insights and job specifications.

Closing Date: 7th September 2025 11:45 pm

Interview Date: 17th September 2025

Further Information

For further information about the role or our organisation, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with the recruiting manager, or the People Team as follows:

Tracy Lincoln Development Manager
Email: tracy.lincoln@southnorfolkandbroadland.gov.uk        Tel: 01508 533814

Glen Beaumont – Major Projects Area Team Manager
Email: glen.beaumont@southnorfolkandbroadland.gov.uk  Tel:  01508 533821

People Team
Email: peopleteam@southnorfolkandbroadland.gov.uk          Tel: 01508 533995

Why Join Us?

We offer flexible working hours for most office-based roles, allowing for a healthy work-life balance. As part of our team, you will enjoy a range of employee benefits, including free onsite parking, employee discounts, a competitive holiday allowance, wellbeing initiatives, and the opportunity to join the Local Government Pension Scheme.

You will be joining a progressive and supportive organisation that is committed to making a positive impact on the communities we serve.

To hear why our employees think that working for us is so special, please visit our website.

 

How to apply

If you are an external applicant, please apply via our website.

For internal applicants, please apply via the internal website found through the job portal on Connect.

**Please indicate on your application form which post you are applying to.**

The Councils reserve the right to close any and all vacancies at any time if there is judged to be a sufficient number of applications received.

South Norfolk and Broadland Councils are committed to promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and all applicants must be willing to undergo appropriate checks for the position, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.