Lead Ecologist
Cumberland Council
Salary: £42,403 - £43,421
Hours: 37 hours
Location: Flexible working with Carlisle, Workington or Whitehaven as a base
Contract: Permanent
About this opportunity
Cumberland Council is putting Health and Wellbeing at the heart of everything we do; environmental resilience and climate emergency is an area of focus.
We have the Biodiversity Duty and Biodiversity Net Gain to deliver, we are a key supporting authority for the Cumbria Local Nature Recovery Strategy. We also have the challenges of Nutrient Neutrality in our local catchments. This new Lead Ecologist role will bring the specialism needed to shape our service delivery and partnership work.
The Role
This post will lead a new ecology service providing planning advice and planning Habitat Regulations Assessments. You will lead technical advice internally and externally for the Council whilst ensuring consideration is given to the relevant national and international legislation and policies. You will actively seek opportunities for ecological / biodiversity enhancements.
The post will report to Senior Lead for Development Management and work closely with the Senior Lead for Climate and Natural Environment. The Cumbria Local Nature Recovery Strategy will be an important area of partnership work.
We are looking for an enthusiastic and proactive ecologist, with experience of providing expert advice for effective decision making, capable of building strong working relationships and managing a diverse portfolio whilst fulfilling deadlines and outcomes. You will hold a degree in Ecology or a related discipline and be able to demonstrate up to date practical knowledge of current legislation, and experience of ecological field survey work. You will be able to effectively build a team and commission work as part of a corporate approach to ecology and biodiversity.
If you are interested in what you have read and would like to have an informal discussion, please contact:
christopher.hardman@cumberland.gov.uk
And
steven.okeeffe@cumberland.gov.uk
If this sounds like an opportunity you would be interested in, and you’re looking for a role where you can make a positive difference to the environmental resilience and climate emergency, then please apply today.
What can we offer you!
Application and Interview information
Closing date: 04/02/24
Interview date: w/c 12/02/24
We are currently operating both in-person and virtual interviews. Options will be discussed with candidates once they have been invited to the interview stage of the process for this specific position, and if you have any concerns or adjustments are needed, we are happy to discuss.
If you are invited to a virtual interview, this will preferably be undertaken using the Microsoft Teams software, which is currently free for new users, however if there are any issues with accessing this technology, we are happy to discuss alternative arrangements prior to the interviews.
Please prepare a portfolio of your recent work in ecology to present to the interview panel, a presentation of 15 minutes followed by questions and answers should be planned for.
Safer Recruitment
At Cumberland Council we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the safety and welfare of children, young people and adults at risk and expects all employees, volunteers and the Externally Provided Workforce (EPWs) to share this commitment.
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Cumberland Council is committed to improving the diversity of its workforce to better reflect the communities we serve. We welcome applications from everyone and work to promote an inclusive, supportive culture that values and celebrates our differences.
As a Disability Confident Employer, disabled applicants, who meet the essential criteria of this job, are guaranteed an interview.
Please read the supporting information
Post Specification
Role Profile
