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. Cheshire East is an amazing place to live and work. As one of the largest employers in the borough, we are able to offer you a wide range of challenging and rewarding career opportunities. At Cheshire East Council we are working for a brighter future – together and our commitment to you is that our workplace culture will provide a shared purpose, a well-led organisation with valued people succeeding together as one team and one council to deliver the best service for our customers and communities. If you want to be part of our award-winning council and contribute to our ongoing success, have the flexibility and drive to enable us to innovate, are committed to working as part of a team and striving to deliver exceptional service wherever you can, we would especially like to hear from you. As an equal opportunities employer, we welcome applicants from all backgrounds and want our workforce to reflect the diversity of our local communities so that we can all work for a brighter future - together. Brighter Future www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/jobs-and-careers/employee-benefits.aspx 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. WHAT WE GIVE IN RETURN Enhanced annual leave: 34 days annual leave (inclusive of bank holidays) from day 1, increasing to 39 days after 5 years service. 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. FURTHER INFORMATION For further information please contact Tom Evans / David Hallam via email: Tom.EvansCheshireeast.gov.uk / David.Hallamcheshireeast.gov.uk. PLEASE NOTE: We review applications on a rolling basis which means we may close vacancies earlier if we receive sufficient applications. Therefore, early applications are advised. Please ensure you check the email account (including junk/spam boxes) from which you apply regularly as we will use this to contact you regarding your application. If you have not heard from us within 4 weeks of the closing date then it is likely that you have not been shortlisted on this occasion, however please do not be discouraged from applying again. For any technical enquiries please email sourcingteamecwip.co.uk Please quote job reference number in all correspondence.