County Ecologist (Biodiversity Net Gain)

Worcestershire County Council is recruiting a County Ecologist to increase the capacity of our Ecology and Environmental Policy Team and to take a lead on our Biodiversity Net Gain work. Now that Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is national planning practice, the team need additional capacity to develop and implement BNG monitoring, habitat management and reporting systems. You'll also advise and train WCC colleagues, and help to prepare local BNG policy and guidance.

BNG offers us an exciting, improved opportunity to achieve ecological betterment via development, and your work will lead to real, long-term environmental gains. Alongside desk-based work on BNG policy, advice and administration, there are opportunities to undertake field surveys for land with potential for use in BNG off-setting, and ultimately to monitor sites which provide off-set biodiversity units.

Within the wider Ecology and Environmental Policy Team we also undertake a wide range of environmental projects and wildlife surveys (e.g. preliminary ecological assessments, surveys for bats, badgers, amphibians, reptiles, roadside verge nature reserves etc) and the County Ecologist will be able to support these, where time and interest permit.

We'll also support your Continued Professional Development, to help develop your ecological skills and knowledge. Ecology and Environmental Policy is a small and friendly team with a wide range of specialist interests; we're looking forward to welcoming a new ecologist, and widening our nature conservation work.

While you are working hard, doing your best for the people of Worcestershire, we will do our best to provide an environment that supports and inspires you. Here are some of the top reasons why you should work here.

The work we do at Worcestershire County Council matters! We are there for the most vulnerable people in society who need us the most, we are helping to build a successful and growing local economy, we protect our environment, we improve outcomes for our children, young people and families, and we help ensure our residents are healthier, live longer and have a better quality of life. In short, what we do makes a difference to people's lives!

With so many ways to contribute, the chances are we have a job opportunity that's the career for you.

You'll find an overview of the benefits Worcestershire County Council have to offer on our webpage Why work for us? | Worcestershire County Council, so do take a look! Some of these offers include:

• Great Holiday Entitlement: As well as bank holidays, you'll get 26 days paid holiday (pro rata for part-time staff). This goes up to 31 days when you have been with us for 5 years. If you get more than 26 days where you work now, don't worry because if you join us without a break, we'll match your holiday up to 31 days. If you're successful and want to take advantage of this do let us know!


• Brilliant Pension Scheme: The Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) is a nationwide, career average pension scheme and is a valuable part of the pay and reward package for employees working in local government.


• Professional Learning & Development: We actively encourage learning and development for all our staff should they want to progress further or explore other areas within the organisation.


• Flexible Working: We are proud to offer hybrid working to provide a better work/life balance where possible.