Planning Ecologist

Osborne Richardson has an interesting opportunity for a Planning Ecology Officer to join a very busy local authority in the West Midlands for a 6 month contract. Our client is a thriving Borough which is undergoing large-scale transformation programme aimed at 'Creating a better future'.

You will join their Regulatory Services division and take responsibility for providing expert ecological advice on planning applications and appeals with respect to protected and priority species and habitats, designated wildlife sites and biodiversity enhancements. You will be required to carry out site visits to assess suitability of ecological assessments submitted with planning applications and liaise and negotiate with planners, agents, applicants and members of the public over biodiversity issues.

As well as providing advice on planning applications you will also support your Planning Policy colleagues by drawing together the biodiversity evidence base for Sustainability Appraisals.

Strong communication skills are essential as you will act as a point of contact for all matters requiring ecological advice. On a daily basis you will be dealing with senior managers, a wide range of stakeholders and the general public, explaining complex and new approaches to ecology within development management and policy development.

The successful candidate must have a relevant degree or equivalent in ecology or a related environmental discipline
and have a minimum of 5 years experience working in a similar role with a UK Local Authority. You will need to be confident in dealing with external contacts, in particular representatives from developers working in the Borough.

This will be a home based roles though you will be required to attend site visits on occasion and the rate offered is up to £25/hr (inside IR35) depending on experience and qualifications. For more information please get in touch.