Senior Ecologist

Job purpose:

• To assist Environment and Design in delivering an integrated service across the disciplines of Ecology, Landscape, Heritage, Climate Change and Archaeology.
• To support the Ecology Team in delivering specialist ecological services across the Council.
• Promote the integration of biodiversity issues into the work of the authority in line with its statutory duty under section 40 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act (2006).

• Assist with the on-going development of the Ecological Emergency Action Plan and cooperate with other County Council staff and services in delivery of the action plan.
• Assist with the development and production of the Local Nature Recovery Strategy in partnership with external and internal partners.
• Support and provide advice to Development Management by assessing impacts on biodiversity and advising on the acceptability of surveys, method statements, planning conditions, monitoring requirements and habitat management. Includes advice regarding European Protected Species, the Habitat Regulations and delivery of Biodiversity Net Gain.
• To provide specialist ecological advice to Council service areas, Elected Members, and external partners on behalf of the County Council as appropriate, including responding to requests for ecological advice on County Council land management and infrastructure projects.
• Cooperate with other County Council staff and services in managing County Council land and properties for biodiversity. This can involve the production of management plans.
• Undertake habitat and species surveys, including condition assessments, to inform County Council land management and development projects.
• Organise surveys (protected species and habitats) with external partners and customers.
• Assist in the preparation and promotion of biodiversity within the strategic development plan process, for example green space strategies, green infrastructure, and sustainable development.
• Assist in facilitating the Local Site Partnership through collation and collection of data and subsequent reporting to the Partnership.
• Prepare reports, undertake correspondence, give advice, and attend meetings, including where necessary organising and chairing meetings (internal and external) as necessary in accordance with the work of the Ecology Team.