Ecology Assistant

An exciting opportunity has become available to work as an Ecology Assistant within the Council's Environmental Planning Team, in the Planning Department.

The Environmental Planning Team is a multi-disciplinary team of professionals within the Planning Department, providing specialist advice on landscape architecture, design, arboriculture, ecology and heritage with a mission to improve and protect the varied and high quality environments of Cheshire East.

ABOUT THE ROLE

As an Ecology Assistant, you will help us secure the best outcomes for the natural environment through helping to manage development in the borough by helping to shape planning applications. The role provides the opportunity to work on a diverse range of projects including:

Developing ecology and conservation guidance and policy for the Local Plan;
Surveying sites and managing ecological consultations, including assessing Biodiversity Net Gain Proposals;
Advising on ecology matters across a variety of projects, and supporting implementation.
Cheshire East is one of the busiest Planning Authorities in the country and we have a really diverse portfolio of work. Accordingly the role is also very diverse and no two applications (or weeks!) are the same. This is a career grade role that offers progression across grades 6-8 and is designed for the right candidate to grow and learn with us. To find out more about our essential and desirable criteria for the role, please view the 'in this job you will need' section within the attached JDPS document.
ABOUT YOU

You will

Already have, or be working towards a degree level qualification within Conservation or Ecology or similar
Have some relevant experience of ecological work
Be an effective team player with great communication skills
Have a flexible approach to work
Have a passion for the built environment and the role design and landscape plays within it
We're looking for people who are excited about the natural environment, who can deliver excellent customer care and who want to help us shape the environment of Cheshire East. The ability to travel throughout Cheshire East and a full UK driving license are required.

This job is offered on a full time (5 days per week) basis. If you would like to be part of our team and want to contribute to our ongoing success, have the flexibility and drive to enable us to innovate and are willing to work as part of a team then we would like to hear from you for our current vacancy.

Enhanced public pension: a career average pension (contributions built at a rate of 1/49th of your yearly pensionable pay).
Flexible Working: 37-hour standard full time week with flexi time and hybrid / remote working arrangements.
Purchase of annual leave: The ability to purchase up to 10 days extra annual leave each year in addition to your normal annual leave entitlements.
Cycle to work scheme: receive Income Tax and National Insurance savings of up to 25-39% off the retail price of a bike and safety equipment package (savings dependent on the value of your chosen package and your tax status).
Employee Assistance programme: a completely free to use and confidential assistance service for all employees to help staff manage, reduce and overcome the impact of life issues which they may experience from time to time, both within work and their personal life.
Virgin Media and O2 discounts: exclusive discounts on Virgin Media Broadband and O2 pay monthly plans.
Discounted gym memberships: Access to corporate membership prices for Everybody Leisure which includes:
Gym, swim and group fitness at all 16 facilities
Off-peak racket sports
Athletics tracks
Sauna, steam, spa facilities
To find out more about our rewards and benefits package, please click here.