Ecologist

Job Description

Job Title : Ecologist
Job Category : Planning
Location : County Hall, Pembrokeshire County Council
Hours Per Week : 22.00
Start Date : Immediate Start
Start Time : 09:00
End Time : 17:30
Salary: £26.92

Pembrokeshire County Council is seeking to appoint a focussed, dynamic planning ecologist with excellent communications skills to support the delivery of development that enhances the built and natural environment in Pembrokeshire.
The post holder will provide specialist advice and information on ecology with regard to the land use planning process within Planning, Highways and Infrastructure and projects, and to wider external stakeholders ensuring compliance with related legislation and policy.
You will need a degree in ecology or related subject with a significant period of relevant experience of work of a similar nature. Knowledge of applicable legislation such as the Habitats Regulations and planning legislation and guidance is also essential. You will be an articulate and effective communicator, self-motivated, organised and highly computer literate, including using GIS and databases. The post is likely to be part time, number of hours dependent on relevant experience and costs associated. This is a maternity cover position due to end at the end of August 2024. Home based working will be considered.

Job Description
The principle duties and responsibilities of the post are:
1. Assess the ecological implications of planning applications, applying an interpretation of the relevant policy, guidance and legislation, to ensure that the impacts of development are compliant and relevant.
2. Interpret evidence and advise on and assess approaches to ecological mitigation in development schemes.
3. Ensure any ecological impacts/potential biodiversity gain linked to relevant County Council projects and processes are identified and considered prior to commencement of work by the County Council and or external contractors.
4. Advise on and undertake the screening and scoping processes of planning applications and other projects as required – including Environmental Impact Assessment, Habitats Regulations Appraisal and Appropriate Assessment as applicable to ensure no likely significant effects on European sites, habitats and species of importance for nature conservation.
5. Regularly hold discussions with Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority planning and other officers as necessary in accordance with the Service Level Agreement with PCNPA to provide specialist advice and information.
6. Regularly explain and advise on ecological requirements to members of the public when making planning applications.