Ecologist

Are you passionate about nature recovery and biodiversity? This is your opportunity to make a real impact, protecting and enhancing biodiversity while working within our dynamic Development Management team.

We are seeking a highly motivated, enthusiastic, qualified Ecologist to join our Planning Service. You’ll help safeguard and enhance one of the most ecologically diverse districts in the country, which is home to nationally, European and internationally designated habitats and protected species. At Stroud District Council we are proud of our progressive approach to climate action, biodiversity recovery and sustainable development, and we’re looking for an Ecologist who wants to be part of that journey.

This is a great opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping sustainable development across our beautiful district. You will help ensure that developmental growth is balanced with our nature recovery programme and values. You’ll join a supportive and knowledgeable team, influencing policy, shape development outcomes and deliver meaningful biodiversity gains across the district.

You will have a good knowledge of biodiversity legislation, policy, mitigation and enhancements to provide expert advice to colleagues, applicants and the general public on a wide range of planning applications and pre-application enquires, ensuring the Council meets its statutory requirements. You will also aid the appeals team on biodiversity issues.

The role

We are seeking a highly motivated, enthusiastic, qualified Ecologist to join our Planning Service. Key aspects of the role include:

• To advise colleagues, applicants/agents, Councillors and the wider general public on a wide range of biodiversity issues
• To assist the Senior Ecologist with providing written comments on planning and other applications regarding biodiversity matters, including BNG, drafting planning conditions, S106 and refusal reasons where necessary
• To provide comments and recommendations as a consultee on planning applications based on the mitigation hierarchy and where possible support the enhancement of the quality of biodiversity within new development
• To assist and support the Senior Ecologist and work alongside the Biodiversity Net Gain Officer to implement biodiversity net gain for development

About you

We are looking for a skilled ecologist who has:

• Knowledge and understanding of all aspects of biodiversity and relevant legislation in the planning context
• Understanding of biodiversity net gain
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Committed to providing excellent customer service
• Ability to prioritise work, act on own initiative and meet tight deadlines
• A can-do helpful attitude
• Ability to manage own time and work under own initiative

INTERVIEW DATE: TBC Week beginning 23rd February

For an informal discussion, please contact John Chaplin on [email protected]

In exchange for your expertise, experience and enthusiasm we provide a range of staff benefits, please click here for more information.

A local government reorganisation is planned for Gloucestershire, which may result in changes to structures and services. Potential changes are provisionally timetabled for April 2028. We are committed to supporting all employees through this transition and ensuring continuity of employment wherever possible. Joining us now means you’ll be part of shaping an exciting new chapter for local government.

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.

Responsible recruitment practices for safeguarding are in place within the Council’s HR policies and processes. This is part of our commitment as a Council to safeguard the welfare of vulnerable adults, young people, and children.

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: Stroud District – The Natural Place