Senior Ecology Officer

This is an exciting opportunity to join the Highland Council’s Environment Team, a small team of specialist officers that advise the Council on issues affecting the Scottish Highland’s exceptional countryside, heritage and natural resources.
Highland Council is the largest Local Authority in the UK with the longest coastline and home to many of the country’s most important and iconic habitats and species. With extensive practical experience, an in depth understanding of Scottish biodiversity and a detailed knowledge of Scotland’s planning system you will lead the provision of ecological advice to the Planning Authority and developers on a range of development proposals, focusing on major applications.
You will have experience applying relevant policies and providing consistent and proportionate advice to secure the best outcomes for biodiversity. You will have practical ecological fieldwork experience and the ability to review and approve technical/specialist reports, recommend suitable planning conditions and mitigation strategies and ensure that development delivers positive improvements for biodiversity. You will provide pre-application advice and input into Local Development Plans and policy making.Additionally, you will lead (or work alongside the Environment Team Leader) on a range of projects including the development of biodiversity-related policy and strategy; preparing responses to local and national consultations; the development, mapping and delivery of Nature Networks; and the creation of Local Nature Conservation Sites. You will oversee the work of the Council’s Greenspace Officer and the delivery of biodiversity improvements across the Council’s estate.You will be responsible for managing a small team of ecologists allocating, checking and supervising work and dealing with routine personnel issues as and when they arise. You will liaise with local and national partners and stakeholders and respond to relevant enquiries from Council services, elected Members, developers and the public. The successful candidate will be a focused individual that is enthusiastic, committed, dynamic and self-motivated. You will have exceptional written and verbal communication skills. You will have at least a degree in ecology or a related discipline and be a Member of a relevant professional body. As part of this role, there will also be opportunities for you and your team to assist and support colleagues in the Ecology Survey Team to undertake a wide range of ecological survey work across the Highlands.
Visit MyJobScotland for more details, including how to apply and benefits of working for Highland Council.
#J-18808-Ljbffr