Principal Ecologist

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 support for a range of major infrastructure projects ensuring that the natural environment of Norfolk is safeguarded and enhanced through the planning system. Alongside this you will support colleagues in the delivery of high quality and equitable access to Norfolk's green spaces while reducing the impact of visitors. Working together you will help to design mitigation and alternative approaches to access and support the delivery of Green Infrastructure (GI) strategy. We are looking for an enthusiastic, highly experienced, self-motivated professional aspiring to play a central role in our Specialist Advice team. 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. The role is varied with opportunities to be involved in a wide range of project delivery alongside supporting the Planning system. 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 or considerable relevant experience, 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 arboricultural, ecology, landscape, PRoW and historic environment specialists. We are a friendly, enthusiastic, supportive and inclusive team that work flexibly throughout Norfolk.

We have miles of beautiful coastline and our unique Broads, thriving market towns and a city with a proud cultural heritage. Our economy is growing and driven by innovation in a number of sectors, including energy and food. We also have ambitious plans for new housing and a building programme for schools across Norfolk. Our county a great place to live, work and visit, and is an excellent environment for businesses to start, grow and innovate. We are the main local authority for Norfolk providing services countywide to more than 850,000 Norfolk residents. We take the lead in critical policy areas, working with 84 elected Members responsible for the strategic local government services in the county. We provide a high quality service through involving people who use our services to shape and comment on them and by promoting efficiency and innovation. We work in partnership with local businesses, voluntary organisations and other local authorities such as District and Parish Councils to provide the people of Norfolk with excellent services.

This role also offers a market supplement comprising a payment of £3000 for the successful candidate. £1500 paid on start and a further £1500 paid on completion of a six month probationary period. This role offers hybrid working and a relocation package.,
• 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 dependants' pensions
• Tax efficient ways of getting extra pension and new bikes
• Access to our tax efficient car lease scheme for greener travel enabling you to lease a brand new, ultra-low emission vehicle (subject to eligibility)
• A payment if you refer someone you know to a hard to fill job