Ecologist

The North York Moors National Park Authority helps to look after one of the most phenomenal parts of the British Isles. Filled with beautiful moorlands and fantastic woodland, the North York Moors is a unique area with a diversity of landscape and wildlife.

We are now looking for an Ecologist to join us at our offices in Helmsley on a full-time, permanent basis, working Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 5.00pm.

The Benefits

• Salary of £33,699 to £37,280, depending on experience (pay award pending)
• 25 days’ annual leave, rising annually by one day to 30 days after five years’ service, plus public holidays
• Local Government Pension Scheme

This is a unique opportunity for an ecology professional with strong planning and policy experience to join us and make a positive impact on our breathtaking national park.

You’ll have the chance to drive the delivery of Biodiversity Net Gain and shape sustainable development, contributing to high-impact projects where environmental protection is front and centre.

What’s more, you’ll have the chance to expand your experience across policy development, strategic planning and nature recovery, building a well-rounded portfolio amongst teams of like-minded professionals.

The Role

As an Ecologist, you will play a key role in ensuring ecological considerations underpin planning decisions, policy development and project delivery across the National Park.

Specifically, you will lead on planning-related ecology, providing expert advice on development proposals and delivering Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG). Working closely with Planning colleagues, you will assess applications, review evidence and support the creation of sustainable, policy-aligned outcomes.

You will also contribute to the development of ecological policy and guidance, supporting wider nature recovery ambitions through input into key frameworks such as the Local Plan, National Park Management Plan and Local Nature Recovery Strategies.

Additionally, you will:

• Undertake planning casework, providing formal responses on applications
• Lead on the delivery and implementation of Biodiversity Net Gain
• Provide advice on Habitat Banks
• Produce and update planning guidance to support ecologically sustainable development
• Provide ecological input into internal and external policy development and consultations
• Support and develop ecological data collection, monitoring and recording
• Engage volunteers, partners and contractors to deliver ecological surveys and monitoring activities
• Provide ecological advice on internal projects and proposals
• Promote biodiversity and conservation work through content, communications and stakeholder engagement

About You

To be considered as an Ecologist, you will need:

• At least three years’ experience in a relevant field
• Experience and understanding of the planning system, planning-related legislation and Biodiversity Net Gain
• Experience of undertaking ecological surveys for a range of taxa
• A sound understanding of ecological principles and knowledge of the range of habitats and species found in the North York Moors
• Knowledge of ecological-related legislation, particularly related to protected sites and species
• Working knowledge of GIS packages
• Evidence of continued professional development
• Educated to degree level or equivalent in ecology or related subject

Applications must be completed by midnight on Sunday 12 April 2026.
Interviews are likely to be held on Monday 20 April 2026.

Other organisations may call this role Planning Ecologist, Ecology Officer, Environmental Planning Officer, Biodiversity Net Gain Officer, BNG Officer, BNG Specialist, Environmental Policy Officer, or Ecologist.

Webrecruit and the North York Moors National Park Authority are equal opportunities employers, value diversity and are strongly committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and all applicants for employment. Equal opportunities are the only acceptable way to conduct business and we believe that the more inclusive our environments are, the better our work will be.

So, if you’re ready to help protect and enhance one of the UK’s most important natural landscapes as an Ecologist, please apply via the button shown. This vacancy is being advertised by Webrecruit. The services advertised by Webrecruit are those of an Employment Agency.