About the role

We are seeking to recruit an Ecologist to join our Highway Asset and Design team, on a permanent, full time basis.

On a day to day basis you will:

• Undertake and support the provision of professional specialist and technical advice on all ecological and biodiversity matters to Ceredigion County Council‘s Service Areas & Clients
• To liaise with Biodiversity Officers and maintain close working links with the Statutory Nature Conservation Organisations and local Wildlife Trusts and to advise other services, agencies and bodies as necessary
• To undertake and where appropriate manage the delivery of ecological surveys, assessments, monitoring, environmental statements and prepare licenses upon individual projects
• To provide environmental supervision (Ecological Clerk of Works role) to various CCC Service Areas (e.g. Highways, Local Environment, Property Services, etc.). This could include:
  • Providing environmental site induction and training;
  • Ensuring works are carried out in line with relevant legislation, policies, good practice standards and protected species licence specifications; and
  • Ensuring mitigation is undertaken to the required specifications etc
• To advise on the need for and undertake Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) (Screening/ Determination) and Scoping and Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA) (Test of Likely Significant Effect (TLSE) and Appropriate Assessment (AA)) as required under the Town and Country Planning (EIA) Regulations 2011and the Conservation of Habitat and Species Regulations 2010
• To advise on and obtain CCW Assent for proposals within SSSIs
• To support the SuDS Approval Body (SAB) and Lead Local Flood Authority (CCC) with SuDS approvals and the Ordinary Watercourse Regulatory function in line with the Flood and Water Management Act 2010. This will include assessing pre-application and applications for SAB/EIA / HRA / TLSE / SSSI Assent , potential ecological impacts, providing technical advice regarding ecology/biodiversity matters and supporting the consenting process where required
• To support the County Council in addressing its NERC Act duty, having regard to the conservation of biodiversity, including:
  • Integrating biodiversity within corporate priorities and policies
  • Providing expert and up-to-date advice and guidance to other services on the implementation of the biodiversity duty across all of the authority’s functions
  • Providing appropriate training across the authority

We are looking to recruit an individual with:

• Degree or equivalent in Ecology or a related discipline
• Full or Associated Membership of a relevant professional body
• Good knowledge and understanding of ecology, survey methodologies, habitat management and restoration
• An appreciation of the range of engineering design procedures from feasibility to construction
• Excellent interpersonal, presentational and negotiating skills
• Team player and highly motivated
• Excellent communication and ICT skills
• Full valid UK driving license

In addition to the above, we require an individual with a degree of fluency in the Welsh language. A successful applicant without the required Welsh language skill will be fully supported to reach the desired standard within two years of appointment.

In exchange for your skills and commitment, we will offer you a range of employee benefits including flexible hours scheme, competitive annual leave allowance and a generous pension contribution scheme. More information about our wide-range of employee benefits can be found here. In addition, we are committed to developing our people and will not only provide support to enable you to quickly and confidently take ownership of this role’s key areas of responsibility but in addition, we are committed to supporting your development in order that you can progress your career with us. 

Job Description and Person Specification

Should you wish require any further information about this role please contact: Owen Stephens

Note: We reserve the right to amend the application closing date.