Location: West Northamptonshire (Hybrid Working Available)
Contract: Temporary – 3 Months
Hours: Full Time, Monday to Friday, 9:00am – 5:00pm
## Opportunity Overview
We are seeking an experienced and motivated Senior Natural Environment Officer (Ecology) to provide specialist ecological advice and support planning and environmental functions across West Northamptonshire.
This is an excellent opportunity for an ecology professional to play a key role in balancing nature conservation, biodiversity enhancement, sustainable development, and economic growth across a diverse and evolving area.
Reporting to the Principal Natural Environment Officer (Ecology), you will provide expert ecological input into planning applications, policy development, environmental projects, and strategic place-shaping initiatives.
## Key Responsibilities
Provide high-quality ecological advice to Development Management and other planning-related services.
Assess development proposals and recommend appropriate mitigation, enhancement and biodiversity measures.
Support the preparation, review and implementation of Local Plans, Neighbourhood Plans and other planning policy documents.
Undertake ecological monitoring, research, data analysis and evidence gathering activities.
Prepare reports, technical advice and committee briefing notes relating to ecology and nature conservation matters.
Attend meetings, site visits and stakeholder consultations as required.
Provide technical advice to developers, agents, members, stakeholders and the public.
Support sustainable growth by balancing ecological protection with development objectives.
Contribute to development briefs and strategic planning projects.
Assist with process improvement initiatives, systems reviews and service enhancements.
Support training programmes, member briefings and professional development activities.
Ensure compliance with relevant planning, environmental, data protection and health and safety legislation.
Deliver excellent customer service and respond professionally to enquiries, complaints, FOI and EIR requests.
## Essential Requirements
Relevant undergraduate degree in Ecology, Environmental Science, Conservation, Geography or a related discipline.
Experience working within an ecology, environmental or natural environment role.
Strong knowledge of planning legislation and guidance.
Up-to-date understanding of ecological and environmental legislation.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Strong analytical, research and report-writing abilities.
Ability to manage competing priorities and work effectively under pressure.
Experience presenting technical information to a variety of audiences.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 applications.
## Desirable Requirements
Relevant postgraduate qualification.
Membership of CIEEM (or equivalent professional body), or demonstrable progress towards professional accreditation.
Knowledge of Local Plan preparation and planning policy development.
Experience of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), habitat assessments and protected species legislation.
Project management experience.
Experience using planning and GIS systems such as DEF MasterGov, QGIS, ERP Gold or equivalent.
Experience working within a political environment and engaging with elected members
Salary description
£21.67 - £21.67 per hour