Lead Ecologist

Lead Ecologist

Salary: £43,822 to £48,227 per annum
Contract: Permanent – Full Time
Location: County Hall, Norwich

Do you want a role in protecting some of the best natural environment in the country?

Norfolk County Council’s (NCC) Environment Service have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Lead Ecologist. You will lead on delivering positive action to manage and increase Biodiversity and Natural Capital in Norfolk, providing key advice and support to Norfolk County Council (NCC) and our partners. Reporting to the Specialist Advice Manager, and in collaboration with wider teams within our Environment Service, you will lead and deliver support for a range of major infrastructure projects ensuring that the natural environment of Norfolk is safeguarded and enhanced through the planning system.

Alongside this you will support colleagues in the delivery of high quality and equitable access to Norfolk’s green spaces while reducing the impact of visitors. Working together you will help to design mitigation and alternative approaches to access and support the delivery of Green Infrastructure (GI) strategy.

We are looking for an enthusiastic, highly experienced, self-motivated professional aspiring to play a central role in our Specialist Advice team. The role requires knowledge and experience in biodiversity and green infrastructure planning, biodiversity net gain, ecosystem services and natural capital, especially in relation to land-use planning in the UK for infrastructure. You will be required to maintain strong working relationships across project partners and external stakeholders, ensuring projects are delivered on time.

The role is varied with opportunities to be involved in a wide range of project delivery alongside supporting the Planning system.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Delivery of expert advice and support for Ecology, Biodiversity and GI through the planning process embedding a Net Gain approach
• Planning, delivery and management of Environmental Impact Assessment, the design and implementation of successful mitigation and compensation strategies for biodiversity, including approaches for delivering green infrastructure and Net Gain
• Monitoring and reporting on overall project resources, including progress against projected spend and working to claim deadlines
• Developing and implementing a Natural Capital approach to support the delivery of key policies and strategies, including the Environment Act, Environmental Improvement Plan and NCC Environmental Policy and Climate Strategy
• Working closely with Environment Service colleagues to support delivery of key aims and projects such as Coastal Access, National Trail, Norfolk Trails, 1 million trees for Norfolk, Active Travel, Great Crested Newt District Level Licensing, Local Nature Recovery Strategy, Local Cycling and Walking Improvement Plan and Pollinator Action Plan

Substantial experience of managing multiple projects is essential, as is a flexible approach to collaborative working with a calm and positive approach to problem-solving. You will have a relevant degree or considerable relevant experience, a thorough understanding of the planning system and environmental legislation. You will have strong influencing skills and a focussed delivery of the priorities for the Environment Service.

As a member of the Specialist Advice Team, you will join an enthusiastic and dynamic group comprising ecology, historic environment, landscape, PRoW and Tree & Woodland specialists. We are a friendly, enthusiastic, supportive and inclusive team that work flexibly throughout Norfolk.

This role also offers a market supplement comprising a payment of £3000 for the successful candidate.

For more information or an informal discussion regarding this post please contact Martin Horlock via [email protected]

Closing date: 19 March 2026.