Senior Ecologist

Closing Date: 8 June 2026

Salary: Grade 10 ranging from £37,280 - £41,771 per annum

Are you ready to play a leading role in shaping the future of Somerset’s natural environment? This is your opportunity to apply your ecological expertise to influence sustainable development across the county. You’ll help shape major planning decisions, biodiversity net gain and nutrient neutrality, while contributing to high-impact initiatives like the Local Nature Recovery Strategy and Pollinator Action Plan.

Combining strategic input with hands-on fieldwork, you’ll advise on key projects and have opportunities to lead ecological surveys across diverse landscapes. As a trusted voice within a collaborative team, you’ll help deliver meaningful environmental outcomes, supported by flexible working and strong career development opportunities.

Role Summary:

As our Senior Ecologist, you’ll provide expert ecological advice to Somerset Council across planning and environmental matters, helping to ensure compliance with legislation and policy. Acting as a lead advisor within a designated planning area, you’ll combine technical leadership with a hands-on approach, while working collaboratively to support the effective delivery of the Council’s ecology service.

What you’ll do – Key Responsibilities:

• Provide expert ecological advice on planning applications and development proposals, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and policy, assessing impacts, and recommending mitigation and enhancement measures.
• Undertake and review Habitats Regulations Assessments and Ecological Impact Assessments for a range of plans and projects.
• Support on ecological fieldwork, including protected species surveys and site assessments across Somerset.
• Support the management and development of the ecology team, including mentoring colleagues and reviewing technical outputs.

What we’re looking for – Knowledge, Experience, & Skills:

Essential

• Strong knowledge of protected species and their ecological requirements (including bats, amphibians, reptiles, dormice and badgers)
• Experience undertaking protected species and habitat surveys.
• In-depth understanding of planning policy and its ecological implications, including the National Planning Policy Framework.
• Experience of Environmental Impact Assessment processes and Habitats Regulations Assessments.
• Familiarity with Biodiversity Net Gain, the Environment Act and biodiversity metrics.
• Proven ability to analyse and evaluate ecological reports and data, and to produce clear, accessible reports for a range of audiences.
• Extensive professional experience in ecology (consultancy and/or local government)
• Proficiency in GIS and mapping tools (e.g. QGIS, MapInfo, MAGIC, Ordnance Survey)
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage complex workloads, work independently and collaboratively, and make sound decisions under pressure.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain complex ecological and legislative issues clearly.
• Degree in Ecology or a related discipline (or equivalent experience) and holds (or is working towards) at least one protected species licence.

Desirable

• Local ecological knowledge of Somerset and awareness of key partnerships.
• Awareness of relevant case law influencing ecological planning decisions.
• Understanding of nutrient neutrality and its implications for development.
• Strong communication skills across written, verbal and digital formats.
• Professional membership of CIEEM (or working towards)
• FISC accreditation and experience using UKHab classification.

Additional Information:

• Permanent, Full-time role (37 hours per week)
• 30 days’ annual leave (additional to Bank Holidays)
• Flexible and Hybrid working opportunities.
• Regretfully, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role. We are only able to proceed with candidates who already have the right to work in the UK without the need for VISA sponsorship.

For an informal chat about the role, you can contact Sarah Cruickshank, Ecology Service Manager via email: sarah.cruickshank@somerset.gov.uk

A full job description will be provided to shortlisted candidates or on request.