Job ref: PLCB0416
Salary: £34,314 - £37,035 p.a.
37 hours per week (full-time)
Based in North Somerset
The team is responsible for managing council-owned trees and the rights of way network, responding to planning applications, and delivering the council’s Green Infrastructure Strategy. 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.
Key responsibilities:
* 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.
Essential criteria:
* 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.
Desirable Criteria:
* 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).
How to apply:
Submit your application by 11.59pm on Wednesday 22 January 2025.
For further information, email esther.coffin-smith@n-somerset.gov.uk or call 07385 039 453.
Interview Date: Thursday 30 January 2025.
We are currently only able to accept applications from candidates who have full permission to work in the UK.
Apply here
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