Ecology Adviser

Job Title: Ecology Adviser
Starting Salary: £34,433 progressing to £37,280 per annum (pro rata for part time)
Hours: 37
Location: Countywide
Contract Type: Permanent
Directorate: Growth & Environment

About the team

Are you passionate about protecting and enhancing the natural environment? Would you like to play a key role in shaping the future of biodiversity and placemaking across Hertfordshire?

We’re seeking an experienced Ecologist to join our friendly and knowledgeable LEADS team (Landscape, Ecology, Archaeology, Development & Sustainability). This is a fantastic opportunity to influence planning and development decisions, ensuring ecological considerations are embedded at every stage.

About the role

As an Ecologist, you will provide expert advice to Hertfordshire’s planning authorities and developers, helping to ensure that biodiversity, habitat protection, and ecological enhancement are central to planning decisions. Your responsibilities will include:

• Reviewing planning applications and local plans to assess ecological impacts.
• Supporting the implementation of deliver Biodiversity Net Gain and helping to deliver the Local Nature Recovery Strategy.
• Advising on site surveys, mitigation strategies, and opportunities for ecological enhancement.
• Collaborating with planners, developers, and designers to promote nature-positive outcomes.
• Representing the natural environment in policy-making, master planning, and placemaking discussions.
• Engaging with local and national networks, including ALGE and CIEEM.

This is an exciting time to join us, as new legislation and strategies are raising the profile of ecology in national and planning government. You’ll have the opportunity to influence real change and contribute to a greener, more sustainable Hertfordshire.

About you

Essential Requirements:

• Experienced – with at least 18 months in a professional ecological advisory role.

• Degree-level qualification or equivalent experience in ecology or a related field.

• A strong understanding of UK environmental legislation, planning policy, and protected species.

• Strong understanding of Biodiversity Net Gain, Local Nature Recovery Strategies, and protected species legislation.
• Experience and familiarity in habitats assessments, surveying and reports.

• Passionate about promoting the value of the natural environment in planning and development.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and speak confidently to a range of audiences.
• Comfortable working across teams and organisations to deliver shared goals.
• Ability to negotiate and take a pragmatic approach to ecological outcomes.

• Manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.

• Full UK driving licence.

Desirable:

• Postgraduate qualification in ecology, biology, or environmental planning.
• Experience with GIS and ecological data analysis.
• Familiarity with biological recording networks and stakeholder organisations (e.g. Natural England, Environment Agency).
• Understanding of how nature and culture intersect in placemaking and policy.
• Have a working knowledge of the planning system.
• Evidence of any relevant conservation and/or habitat management experience.

We welcome applications from candidates who currently reside in the UK with established proof of right to work documentation. We are not able to offer sponsorship at this time for this role.

This job role is within the Technical Services, level TEC9 job profile. Please locate this via:

Job profiles: Technical services

To hear more about this opportunity please contact daniel.phillips@hertfordshire.gov.uk or Simon.Richards1@hertfordshire.gov.uk for an informal discussion about the role.

Interview Date: TBC

Benefits of working for us

How to apply

As part of your application, please upload your most recent CV. Ensure your CV is up to date with your employment history (including any employment gaps), and including any training/qualifications. We encourage you to include examples of where you have demonstrated the requirements/criteria in the advert / job profile to allow the panel to fully recognise your skills and abilities. You will have the opportunity to include a short covering paragraph within your application to give us a little more information about your skills, knowledge, and experiences.

Additional information

Disability Confident
We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer and guarantee an interview to anyone disclosing a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post.

Driving required
You’ll need to have the ability to drive and/or travel around Hertfordshire, either using your own mode of transport or a company car to travel to other locations.

English Fluency
The ability to converse at ease with members of the public and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post (for those whose language is a signed language the provision of a sign language interpreter who speaks English to the necessary standard of fluency will be required). Further information about the legal requirement can be found here.