Senior Planning Ecologist

Your new company
You'll be joining a supportive, multi‑disciplinary development services team responsible for delivering high‑quality ecological input into planning and environmental work. The team includes ecologists and landscape officers, all working together to protect biodiversity, support sustainable development, and ensure compliance with environmental legislation. You'll play a key role in strengthening capacity within the service for an initial six‑month period.

Your new role
As an Ecology Development Officer, you'll provide specialist ecological consultancy to the planning service. Working a 37‑hour week or 7.4 hours per day, you may:

Review and appraise planning applications, offering professional ecological and technical advice to planning officers.
Assess sites for legally protected species, habitat value, and statutory considerations.
Lead on biodiversity net gain assessments-experience in mandated BNG is highly desirable.
Carry out ecological surveys, prepare reports, and contribute to decision‑making on development proposals.
Use GIS, Microsoft Office, and internal systems to manage data and produce high‑quality documentation.
Work from home for the majority of the week, with site visits as needed (support available if distance is an issue).
Collaborate closely with internal colleagues, statutory bodies, developers, and community groups.
What you'll need to succeed

A degree or equivalent qualification in Ecology.
Associate or Full Membership of CIEEM.
Strong background in ecology planning or previous experience within a local authority setting.
Knowledge of protected species legislation, biodiversity net gain, and planning policy.
Experience conducting ecological surveys and interpreting findings.
Ability to manage your workload independently and work effectively within a multi‑disciplinary team.
A protected species licence would be a welcome advantage.
Competency in GIS and Microsoft Office.
What you'll get in return

An hourly rate £40 - £60 P/day depending on pay type.
The chance to work within a skilled, supportive team and influence a wide range of planning applications.
Flexible, predominantly home‑based working.
A varied workload, professional autonomy, and the opportunity to shape environmental outcomes at both local and major development scales.
What you need to do now

If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.
If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.

Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at (url removed)