Ecology Officer

The Natural Environment Team are responsible for managing North Somerset Council-owned trees and the rights of way network, responding to planning applications and delivering the Council's Green Infrastructure Strategy. In this role, you will primarily provide responses to planning applications, compile reports (including the completion of Habitat Regulation Assessments), provide planning advice and advise colleagues on the Council's major projects. You will also monitor the delivery of biodiversity net gain (BNG) on Council-owned land, review BNG monitoring reports and review applications for BNG sites.,

• Provision of professional ecological advice to the Development Management Planning service via planning application consultation responses.
• Completion of Habitat Regulations Assessments for applicable planning applications and consultation with Natural England.
• Review of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) submissions including Habitat Monitoring and Management Plans, BNG Metrics, Biodiversity Gain Plans and monitoring reports.
• Provision of pre-application advice and ecology advice on internal Council projects.
  
  We are looking for an individual who is passionate about [relevant field/area], and who possesses the following skills and experience, Vocational qualification or experience to level 4 or above relevant to the Ecology and the Natural Environment field.
• Knowledge and understanding of ecological planning issues.
• A good understanding of protected species, particularly bats.
• Experience undertaking Habitat Regulations Assessments.
• A broad working knowledge of wildlife and the relevant legislation and policy in place to protect and enhance it.
• Ability to manage/organise own work., Experience undertaking Habitat Regulations Assessments.
• Familiarity with biodiversity net gain.
• Knowledge of the North Somerset and Mendip Bats Special Area of Conservation (SAC) Guidance on Development: Supplementary Planning Document and the associated Habitat Evaluation Protocol (HEP).
• Phase 1 extended ecological surveys & UK Habitat Mapping and Classification.
• Arboricultural surveys.
• Member of CIEEM (or eligible).
  
  North Somerset Council is dedicated to providing high-quality services to our community. We are committed to creating a fair, green, and more inclusive environment for all our residents. Join us and contribute to making a positive impact on our community.
  
  At North Somerset Council, we value our employees and provide a supportive and inclusive work environment. We offer:
• Competitive salary and benefits
• Flexible working arrangements
• Opportunities for professional development
• Staff groups
• Opportunity to purchase up to an additional 10 days annual leave each year
• Dedicated Wellbeing Team
• Salary sacrifice cycle to work and Electric vehicle schemes
Further details of our excellent rewards package can be found in our Benefits booklet .