Principal Ecologist

Principal Ecologist

Permanent
Full Time 37 hours per week
Location: County Hall (Exeter)
Salary: £39,862 - £44,075 per annum
Closing Date: 21st December 2025
Interview Date: Week of the 5th January 2026

Drive nature recovery across Devon

Are you passionate about protecting and enhancing nature? We’re looking for a highly motivated and experienced ecologist to join our natural environment team as a principal ecologist and help shape the future for Devon’s wildlife and landscapes.

You’ll be part of the environmental sustainability group, which brings together expertise in climate and sustainability, ecology, heritage, landscape, and flood and coastal risk. Our team leads on exciting initiatives, including:

• Restoration of large quarries across the county to wildlife habitat
• Working with partners to develop strategic approaches to the conservation of greater horseshoes, beavers, dormice and water voles
• Working with Devon Wildlife Trust and the Devon Biodiversity Records Centre to designate and monitor county wildlife sites
• Continuing to roll out biodiversity net gain across Devon
• Working with wildlife experts and partners to finalise and implement the Devon local nature recovery strategy
• Coordinating the Devon local nature partnership

We provide expert advice within Devon County Council as well as for other Devon local planning authorities, including Dartmoor National Park Authority, and work on a range of projects and partnerships across the county.

This is a fantastic opportunity to work at the heart of key national initiatives and gain experience in one of the most ecologically diverse and beautiful counties in the UK.

About the role

You will:

• Provide specialist ecological planning advice, working closely with planners, developers, consultants, Natural England, NGOs, and researchers.
• Advise on protected and priority species and habitats, quarry restoration schemes, monitoring, biodiversity net gain, and develop guidance and strategies.
• Offer specialist ecological advice within Devon County Council, including on infrastructure schemes (e.g. roads, cycle routes, waste sites, schools) and estate management.
• Support and train colleagues and partners, and line manage junior team members.
• Contribute to wider wildlife projects and partnerships.

We’re looking for

• Substantial experience of planning and wildlife, including: legislation and policy, survey and impact assessments, mitigation and monitoring, biodiversity net gain, HRA, European Protected Species (particularly bats and dormice).
• Broad knowledge of species and habitats in Devon, including habitat survey and condition assessment, creation, restoration and management.
• Strong people and networking skills with experience of collaborative working in the nature sector.
• EPS licence holder (particularly bats and dormice) or ability to obtain licences quickly.
• Good botanical knowledge (minimum of FISC level 3 equivalent)
• Ability to present complex ecological and legislative issues in plain English.
• Strategic and creative thinker, able to develop and negotiate positive outcomes for wildlife

Why Devon?

Devon County Council is committed to a green Devon for future generations. Join us and make a lasting impact in one of the UK’s most beautiful and environmentally diverse counties.

We offer flexible working, a supportive team environment, and the opportunity to make a real difference. Apply now and help us deliver a thriving natural environment for Devon’s communities and wildlife.

To find out more, please see the job description and person specification. For an informal discussion, contact Doug Eltham, head of environment, on 01392 382061.

• DCC embraces the positive benefits of a diverse workforce and is committed to providing an environment that is inclusive and safe. We welcome applications from people who share our commitment to stop discrimination, challenge inequality and promote diversity across Devon. More information can be found on our Equality and Diversity webpages.
• Happy to Talk Flexible Working - The council offers flexible working arrangements in terms of when and where people work e.g. hybrid working, part-time, condensed hours etc.
• We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
• This role requires the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English.
• Personal data we collect from you will be processed in accordance with the applicant privacy notice.
• For more information about working for Devon please visit our working for Devon page.
• We cannot consider visa sponsorship at this time. UK right to work is required.For further guidance on right to work in the UK, please visit: Work in the UK - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).