Senior Planning Ecologist

Swansea Council is seeking to recruit a qualified and experienced ecologist to help fulfil the ecological planning function within the Council. The Post is full time and permanent.

Salary: £40,777 - £45,091 per year
Closing date: 11.45pm, 2 February 2026

Swansea is one of the most ecologically rich and diverse counties in the UK with over 50% of the county’s area being of significant biodiversity value. Its unique variety of habitats and species and wonderful range of parks, greenspaces, nature reserves, beaches and landscapes need to be maintained, enhanced and sustainably managed for the benefit of people and wildlife now and into the future.

Swansea Council is seeking a motivated, experienced Planning Ecologist to join our Nature Recovery Team within the Natural Environment Section. You will work with colleagues across the Council as well as external stakeholders to promote nature recovery and help deliver development that provides a net benefit for biodiversity.

You will be expected to provide clear, practical ecological advice on planning applications, development proposals, planning policy, appeals and at public inquiries.

Your role will also involve coordinating biodiversity surveys and datasets, contributing to relevant plans, policies and strategies, and championing best practice across the Council and with external stakeholders. You will also support the work of the wider Nature Recovery Team where appropriate.

Required experience and skills

A relevant degree (or equivalent) as well as CIEEM membership (or working towards). You will also have a postgraduate qualification and/or relevant experience.

Strong ecological survey skills (e.g. Phase 1/UKHab, NVC, protected species) and a sound knowledge of legislation and policy.

You will ideally have a Natural Resources Wales bat survey licence (or be working towards one). Additional protected species licences would be an advantage.

Excellent communication skills and the ability to produce high‑quality, succinct technical reports. You’ll be diligent, professional and enthusiastic, with excellent time management skills.

For further information contact:

Deb Hill: [email protected] Tel: 07967 138016
Kathryn Mach: [email protected] Tel: 07814105535

Provisional interview dates: Week commencing 16 February 2026

Safeguarding

Within Swansea Council there is a “Safeguarding is Everybody’s Business” principle, and this applies to all Swansea Council employees, elected members, volunteers and contractors. Further details can be found at www.swansea.gov.uk/corporatesafeguarding