Principal Ecologist

**Temporary Contract until 31 March 2026 | £41,173 to £45,442 per annum (Scale K) | 37 hours per week | Norwich
Norfolk has some of the best natural environment in the country. Norfolk County Council’s (NCC) Environment Service have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Principal Ecologist. You will lead on delivering positive action to manage and increase Biodiversity and Natural Capital in Norfolk, providing key advice and support to Norfolk County Council (NCC) and our partners. Reporting to the Specialist Advice Manager, and in collaboration with wider teams within Environment Service, you will lead and deliver a range of major infrastructure projects ensuring that the natural environment of Norfolk is safeguarded and enhanced through the planning system.

We are looking for an enthusiastic, highly experienced, self-motivated professional aspiring to play a central role in the sustainable development of Norfolk’s Green Infrastructure (GI). The role requires knowledge and experience in biodiversity and green infrastructure planning, biodiversity net gain, ecosystem services and natural capital, especially in relation to land-use planning in the UK for infrastructure. You will be required to maintain strong working relationships across project partners and external stakeholders, ensuring projects are delivered on time.

Key responsibilities will include:

- Delivery of expert advice and support for Ecology, Biodiversity and GI through the planning process embedding a Net Gain approach.
- Planning, delivery and management of Environmental Impact Assessment, the design and implementation of successful mitigation and compensation strategies for biodiversity, including approaches for delivering green infrastructure and Net Gain.
- Monitoring and reporting on overall project resources, including progress against projected spend and working to claim deadlines.
- Developing and implementing a Natural Capital approach to support the delivery of key policies and strategies, including the Environment Act, Environmental Improvement Plan and NCC Environmental Policy and Climate Strategy. Working closely with Environment Service colleagues to support delivery of key aims and projects such as Coastal Access, National Trail, Norfolk Trails, 1 million trees for Norfolk, Active Travel, Great Crested Newt District Level Licensing, Local Nature Recovery Strategy, Local Cycling and Walking Improvement Plan,

Substantial experience of managing multiple projects is essential, as is a flexible approach to collaborative working with a calm and positive approach to problem-solving. You will have a relevant degree, a thorough understanding of the planning system and environmental legislation. You will have strong influencing skills and a focussed delivery of the priorities for the Environment Service.

As a member of the Specialist Advice Team, you will join an enthusiastic and dynamic group comprising ecology, landscape and historic environment specialists. We are a friendly, enthusiastic, supportive and inclusive team that work flexibly throughout Norfolk.

This is a Temporary Contract until 31 March 2026.

**This post attracts a Market Supplement sum of £1500 consisting of an initial payment of £750.00 on appointment to the successful postholder. After completion of a successful 6-month trial period, another £750.00 to be paid making the Market Supplement in total of £1500.
This role offers hybrid working.

We want our people to be inspired and motivated to work well together, make the most of our workspaces, enjoy a healthy work-life balance, and deliver excellent services to Norfolk and its people. Flexibility is built into the way we work, with hybrid working a key feature for many roles. Our technology platform and equipment are first class, enabling you to connect and collaborate remotely. We ask that you have in place good Broadband connectivity.

**Job description and person specification
You can also find out about the rewards and benefits we offer as well as our other terms and conditions.

These are some benefits you can enjoy by working for Norfolk County Council:

- Competitive salary
- Generous holiday entitlement with the ability to buy and sell leave
- Health and Wellbeing services including fast-track physiotherapy and a free counselling service
- Flexible working opportunities including flexi-time, part time, remote and hybrid working - dependent on your job role and business need.
- Financial benefits such as:

- ‘ Norfolk Rewards’ our employee discounts programme which helps you save money on almost anything, from everyday groceries and clothes, to holidays, new technology, gym membership, trips to the cinema and days out.
- A Blue Light card for Fire Service and Social Care Workers
- Relocation expenses (where applicable)
- An advance of your expenses if you travel for work
- Local Government Pension Scheme with generous employer contribution, life assurance, death in service payments and