Senior Ecologist
Stroud District Council
Are you enthused about nature recovery and biodiversity? Do you thrive in a busy and dynamic environment where your ecological expertise can make a real impact? If so, we want to hear from you!
We are seeking an experienced Senior Ecologist to join our Planning Department and in return we will give you flexibility in your working week, 2 paid wellbeing days and a generous annual leave allowance, significant pension contribution along with an extremely supportive environment to work in.
This is a unique opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping sustainable development across our beautiful district, rich in natural heritage and ecological value. You will be working to ensure development within the district adds to our nature recovery programme.
What You’ll Be Doing:
- Leading ecological input into planning applications, ensuring developments support biodiversity and comply with legislation.
- Championing Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), helping to embed it into planning policy and practice.
- Line managing and mentoring a talented team including an Ecologist and a BNG Officer.
- Collaborating with planners, developers, and stakeholders to deliver nature-positive outcomes.
- Driving innovation and best practice in ecological assessment and nature recovery.
- Working with a wider Natural Environment Team within the council.
- Working with other ecologists across the county based in neighbouring LPAs.
What We’re Looking For:
- A qualified ecologist with significant experience in planning and development.
- Strong working knowledge of BNG, ecological legislation, and policy.
- Proven leadership and line management skills.
- Excellent communication and collaboration abilities.
- A strategic mindset with a passion for making a difference.
Why Stroud?
Stroud District is known for its stunning landscapes, vibrant communities, and commitment to sustainability. At Stroud District Council, you’ll be part of a team that values creativity, integrity, and action. We offer flexible working, professional development, and the chance to be part of something genuinely impactful.
Ready to help shape a district where nature thrives?
Apply now and be part of our mission to build a greener, more resilient future.
About us and the role
Stroud district is a vibrant and progressive area with an active development and regeneration sector. It is also an ecological uniquely diverse area which boasts many National, European and Internationally designated habitats and protected species. The District’s landscape is as diverse as its ecological heritage, ranging from the tidal estuary of the River Severn, the Severn Vale and to the rolling hills of the Cotswolds AONB to the East.
The Council is committed to proactively respond to the Climate and Ecological Emergency and has key objectives to protect and enhance biodiversity and become a carbon neutral district by 2030. We are therefore looking to maximise opportunities for biodiversity net gain and nature recovery and this would be an exciting opportunity to have a positive impact and ensure these ambitious targets are fulfilled.
In exchange for your expertise, experience and enthusiasm we provide a range of staff benefits please click here for more information.
It is important that our staff reflect the diversity of our community, and we therefore welcome and encourage applications from people of all genders and sexual orientation, those from Black, Asian and other minority ethnic backgrounds, and people with disabilities.
Our organisation is committed to safeguarding the welfare of vulnerable adults, young people and children. Safer recruitment practices are applied to all job vacancies.
Stroud District has an energy unlike any other place. It’s green and dynamic, climate conscious and motivated, creative and collaborative, rural and urban, and unapologetically ambitious. To find out more about what makes our place, our people and our businesses so special, please follow the link to our dedicated website: