Ecologist Officer

**Ecologist Officer**:
Job description

**Help us shape the future of the New Forest**

**Are you an Ecologist professional with a passion for protecting and enhancing our natural environment?**

We have an exciting new opportunity for an Ecologist to join our Lead Ecologist in providing specialist advice on ecological matters to a Council that has identified biodiversity as a key priority and has declared a nature emergency.

Covering New Forest District (outside of the National Park), you will be working on a broad spectrum of interesting and varied projects and roles. These range from developing policy and guidance, delivery and monitoring of biodiversity net gain (development and our own estate), influencing development masterplans to progressing our green infrastructure strategy and providing input to recreation mitigation projects.

You will work with a range of stakeholders internally and externally to manage existing pressures on our highly designated sites and valuable habitats / species assemblages, and seek to provide measurable gains for biodiversity in all our functions.

**Do you enjoy working with others to shape development proposals?**

You will have experience at assessing development proposals and their impacts on ecological matters and be willing to work constructively with developers. With support from the Lead Ecologist, you will provide technical and practical advice on the effective management of our natural environment. A key part of the job will be the monitoring of biodiversity net gain obligations secured through the planning process, helping to meet our statutory requirements and the wider biodiversity implications of the Environment Act 2021 and NERC Act 2006.

**You have**:
You will possess good communication skills (written and spoken) and the ability to respond confidently in a variety of situations. You will be able to understand reports and policy documents and, with the support of the Lead Ecologist, ensure that ecological commitments made through the planning process, including biodiversity net gain, are implemented and reported upon.

**What’s in it for you?**
- £37,638 - £40,605 (exceptional performance points up to £41,803)
- 27 days annual leave plus an additional 5 days after 5 years’ local government service
- Local Government Pension Scheme - Employees pay a % based on their salary (between 5.5% and 10.5%) and the Council contribute 18.4% of your pensionable pay each month
- Hybrid Working
- On-site free parking
- A commitment to professional development and payment of relevant professional subscription fees and licences
- Wide range of employee discounts at high street retailers, including supermarkets, stores and restaurants
- A Cycle to Work scheme which could save you around 40% on cycles and accessories
- Employee Assistance Programme (free 24 hour legal, financial and personal advice for employees).

As one of the largest districts in the country, with 6 towns and a close relationship with neighbouring conurbations, the New Forest provides a supportive environment in which everyone who works for us can help drive our aims.

We believe that all our employees make a valuable contribution to the work of the council and that’s why we encourage a trusting and open culture where each employee is supported and respected equally. We also recognise the value of a highly motivated and engaged workforce and we actively promote a good work/life balance. Applications for part time working or a job share will be actively considered.