Salary: £36,124 - £40,475 per annum
Contract: Permanent, full-time (37 hours per week) – Job share considered
Location: Bainbridge, near Leyburn (blended home and office working available)
Are you passionate about protecting and enhancing wildlife? Do you want your expertise to directly influence development in one of the UK’s most breath-taking landscapes? If yes, please read on.
We are looking for a dedicated Planning Ecologist to join our planning team and make a real impact on nature conservation. You will play a key role in ensuring that development within the National Park conserves and enhances biodiversity while delivering innovative Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) solutions that support nature recovery.
About Us
We are the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, an environmental organisation that protects, enhances and promotes the landscape, wildlife and cultural heritage of the Yorkshire Dales. The Dales are famous for pastoral valleys, with distinctive stone barns and walls, crags and waterfalls, rugged heather moorland and historic villages.
Planning is the best tool we have for conserving this environment for the Nation.
The Benefits
• Generous holiday: starting at 26 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Flexible working: Flexi-time scheme, blended home/office balance and job share opportunities considered
• Excellent pension: Local Government Defined Benefit Pension Scheme (LGPS)
• Health and wellbeing: Subsidised healthcare, cycle-to-work scheme and employee discounts
• Relocation support (if applicable)
• Free parking
The Role
As the Planning Ecologist, you will work in a collaborative and supportive team, where your skills and knowledge will be valued. You’ll have the opportunity to:
• Provide expert advice on the ecological impact of planning applications.
• Lead the implementation of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) strategies.
• Develop income streams to support ecological planning services.
• Influence conservation efforts in an iconic National Park.
About you
We’re looking for someone who:
• Holds a relevant ecological qualification.
• Has experience in development management and a strong understanding of ecology and planning legislation.
• Is confident in writing Habitat Regulations Assessments and reviewing ecological reports.
• Can work independently and collaboratively to provide clear, well-reasoned ecological advice.
• Has access to a vehicle (or alternative mobility support) for site visits.
We understand the importance of work-life balance and are open to job share arrangements for the right candidates. If this is something you’d like to explore, please mention it in your application.
We are a Disability Confident employer and guarantee an interview to any applicant with a disability who meets the essential criteria. We are also committed to diversity and inclusion and encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply.
Interested?
For an informal discussion about the role, contact Richard Graham, Head of Development Management, at 01969 652032 or richard.graham@yorkshiredales.org.uk
Closing date for applications: 11.00pm on Sunday 20 April 2025
Anticipated interview date: Wednesday 30 April 2025