Planning Ecology Officer

Salary Grade 9, £34,435 to £37,488 per annum Location: Seaclose Offices, Newport, Isle of Wight Overview Do you care about the natural environment you live in? Do you want to make a positive difference? Do you believe that development can benefit nature and people at the same time? Whether you are starting your career in ecology or are looking for something different, this could be the role for you With a newly appointed Senior Planning Ecologist, a well‑advanced new local plan, clear Biodiversity Net Gain processes and a sector‑leading Local Nature Recovery Strategy, the local planning authority is well placed to deliver on its commitment to protecting and enhancing the natural environment on the beautiful and ecologically unique Isle of Wight. Responsibilities They will work together to meet the Council’s biodiversity duty and achieve the best outcomes by: Facilitating nature‑positive development Giving professional ecological advice by reviewing and commenting on planning applications Implementing Biodiversity Net Gain processes Contributing to the delivery of the Island’s Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) Engaging with all stakeholders in the planning process as necessary Providing advice on all aspects of ecology within the planning process The successful candidate will have the ability to hit the ground running and to pick up their own caseload, carrying out investigations and writing reports. This is a role where you must be able to communicate clearly and liaise with a wide range of stakeholders. 37 hours per week Benefits Join #TeamIWC and you'll receive our staff benefits package, including: Annual leave entitlement of 32 days per annum PLUS public holidays Local Government pension scheme Discounted Solent ferry travel Island bus network discount Cycle to work scheme Staff parking permit scheme Discounted island sports & leisure gym membership National and local discount schemes Relocation scheme of up to £8,000 (subject to criteria) for some roles Travel allowance may be available if commuting from the mainland (subject to criteria) Contact For further information or an informal discussion, please contact Carolyn Herbert, Senior Planning Ecologist, carolyn.herbert@iow.gov.uk or Sarah Wilkinson, Planning Development Manager, sarah.wilkinson@iow.gov.uk. Equal Opportunity We actively promote the diversity of our workforce, and provide flexible working options (where appropriate) to support the different needs of our employees. We are an equal opportunities employer, proud to encourage applications from all cultures, backgrounds and abilities to better reflect the diversity within our local community. We are a Disability Confident employer. If you meet the basic essential requirements of the advertised role and have declared yourself as disabled, you will be offered an opportunity for an interview within the council. The Isle of Wight Council protects its employees from discrimination, and this is supported by: Unacceptable behaviour policy Employee code of conduct Our values, culture and inclusivity The Isle of Wight Council’s Terms & Conditions of employment are available upon request. Please contact our recruitment team via adverts@iow.gov.uk if you would like to receive a copy. The Isle of Wight Council reserves the right to close vacancies earlier than stated, if required. To ensure your application is considered, it is recommended to submit your application promptly. For support completing your online application or for further information on how to apply, phone 01983 823134 or email callcentre@iow.gov.uk. Only applications submitted online by the closing date will be accepted. We often receive a high volume of applicants for our vacancies. If you do not hear from the recruiting manager within three weeks of the closing date, we regret that your application will not have been successful on this occasion. Please revisit our job page for alternate posts that may be suitable. #J-18808-Ljbffr