Principal Ecologist

Are you passionate about the natural environment and making a difference to local communities on the ground? Are you looking to further your career in ecology within local government, working as part of a friendly and dynamic service and leading a small team of dedicated ecologists?

We are looking for a highly motivated, enthusiastic and talented individual to take a leading role in the provision of ecology services in beautiful West Berkshire, helping to deliver Biodiversity Net Gain and ensure Nutrient Neutrality through planning policy formulation and the provision of specialist advice on a variety of planning applications ranging from minor to strategic.

With 51 Sites of Special Scientific Interest, 3 Special Areas of Conservation including the River Lambourn and around 500 Local Wildlife Sites in a district of which 74% is within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, we can offer you a diverse and rewarding workload in attractive surroundings, well connected by rail and road. This is an exciting time to be joining our newly formed Planning and Economy Service as we embark on an ambitious service improvement plan aimed at improving the customer journey.

 With a degree in ecology or relevant discipline and at least three years’ relevant experience, you will extensive knowledge and understanding of ecology and biodiversity legislation and good practice, alongside habitat management/restoration and the application of nutrient neutrality principles and biodiversity net gain. Great communication and sound presentation skills together with the ability to negotiate with developers and work effectively as part of a team will be key to your success in this role. Experience in preparing and presenting evidence at examination or public inquiries would be a definite advantage.

West Berkshire Council offer excellent employment benefits such as:

• Flexible working wherever possible between the hours of 07.00-19.00
• Hybrid working wherever possible working 40% in the office
• Access to a wide range of training and development opportunities 
• Generous Local Government pension scheme
• Family friendly policies
• A range of local discounts
• Access to a wide range of training and development opportunities
• Wellbeing Programme including Employee Assistance Programme and employee benefits
• You will also be entitled to a generous annual leave entitlement starting at 29 days per annum (plus public holidays) Rising by an additional 5 days after 5 years’ service. 

Please note that the closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible to avoid disappointment. 

We are ideally looking to offer the successful candidate the full number of hours advertised above. We may however consider offering less hours than advertised providing they meet the requirements of the role and service which will be determined by the recruiting manager.

You can find out more about ecology, biodiversity, nature conservation and nutrient neutrality in West Berkshire on our website https://www.westberks.gov.uk/natureconservation  
https://www.westberks.gov.uk/phosphates-nutrient-neutrality

Please note that the closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible to avoid disappointment. 

Please contact Bryan Lyttle - Planning Policy Manager on Bryan.Lyttle@westberks.gov.uk to arrange an informal chat about this role.