Planning Ecologist Technician

Job Purpose:

To assist the Authority’s work in nature conservation, enhancement of the National Park’s wildlife and promotion of its biodiversity. Contribute to the formulation of planning policy and guidance and development management casework to ensure compliance with the Authority’s statutory obligations and biodiversity duties. Work in partnership with officers and Members of the Authority and other stakeholders in achieving this.

Main Duties

• Be a point of contact for ecological matters associated with the planning function of the Authority
• Support the provision of professional specialist and technical advice on planning related ecological and biodiversity matters including nutrient issues
• Assist the Senior Planning Ecologist with the development of advice, policy and guidance, including the drafting of Supplementary Planning Guidance where appropriate
• Provide advice, comment for pre-application enquiries, planning applications and consented developments that affect landscape features, designated sites and features, and priority habitats and species within the timescales set out by the Development Management process
• Assist on providing advice when seeking Planning Obligations to secure biodiversity enhancements where applicable. Assist on developing processes and undertake the on-going monitoring of sites to ensure the implementation of biodiversity gains and protected species mitigation secured through the planning process
• Assist the Senior Planning Ecologist on providing Appropriate Assessments on behalf of the Competent Authority in relation to potential effects of development on European Designations
• Assist on responding to Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) screening and scoping requests in terms of the EIA Regulations in relation to ecological conservation issues and to assist in providing comment on Environmental Statements submitted to the Authority
• To represent or assist in representing the Authority as required in public meetings, planning appeals, public inquiry, court cases and giving advice when required by Members in Authority committee meetings
• Assist on providing advice, comment and quality control for assessments, method statements and works associated with any Statutory Undertakers overhead or underground transmission or pipeline, in particular works affecting land owned by the BBNPA, landscape features, designated sites and features and priority habitats and species. Assist on providing conservation advice on reinstatement, restoration and any ecological enhancement works (if required) carried out in relation to the work of Statutory Undertakers
• Any other duty, appropriate to the grade and nature of the post, as occasionally required by the Director of Planning and Place or the Chief Executive

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

• Degree or equivalent in Ecology or related subject
• Knowledge and understanding of legislation, policy and guidance affecting natural resource management, and development management
• Knowledge and understanding of ecology, survey methodologies, habitat management and restoration
• Good understanding of how the natural environment is affected by development and how those features can be conserved, restored and enhanced; good understanding of where to source the relevant expert advice from
• Good IT skills, including use of MS Office software and Document Management systems
• Ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of organisations and individuals including members of the public, applicants and agents
• Ability to work under pressure
• An ability to demonstrate organisational and interpersonal skills required to support complex work areas and meet deadlines
• Be able to work on own initiative and as part of a team, demonstrating flexibility in the approach to work as required by the service
• Ability to deal diplomatically with the public, National Park Members, staff and other stakeholders
• A valid and full driving licence
• Welsh Language Level 0

Desirable Criteria

• Postgraduate qualification in Ecology or related subject
• A minimum of 1 years’ experience, ideally within a protected area or local planning authority or conservation organisation, providing conservation policy advice and advice to development management officers in relation to the natural environment
• Experience of habitat assessment, management and creation.
• Full member of CIEEM (or similar) or working towards meeting this status
• An understanding of the principles of SEA, EIA and HRA and the application of the supporting legislation
• Basic knowledge and understanding of the planning system, including legislation, procedure and, guidance
• A working knowledge of geographic information and spatial modelling systems or a willingness to develop these skills
• Welsh Language Level 1

Note on Welsh Language Requirement

Please note: If you do not meet the Welsh language Requirements specified, then the Authority offers a variety of learning options and staff support to help you meet these requirements during your employment with us.

Closing date: 5 January 2026
Interview date: 13 January 2026