Located at the heart of the Marches, the historic border countryside where England meets Wales, Herefordshire is one of the most rural counties in England. Beautiful, unspoilt countryside, two Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, historic parklands, the cathedral city of Hereford and attractive market towns provide an excellent quality of life.

In 2019 Herefordshire Council declared a climate emergency and committed to minimising our impact on the environment and aspiring to carbon neutrality by 2030. The scope of this declaration has now been broadened to encompass an ecological emergency, providing an exciting opportunity for the Natural Environment team to the lead the way in developing new initiatives across both the council and the wider county through our work with local nature partnerships.

Acting as Senior Planning Ecologist, within the Natural Environment team comprising; Trees, Landscape, Ecology and Public Open Space and working closely with colleagues in the Development Management, Forward Plans and Enforcement teams, as well as other environmental specialists, your main duties are:

• To provide ecological advice to the Development Management team and other internal and external customers working within appropriate timescales

• To review, interpret and advise on specialist ecological and environmental reports, guidance, planning policy and legislation

• To maintain and seek to advance knowledge, competency and best practice across a range of ecological matters including Habitats Regulations Assessments, nutrient impacts, designated sites, habitats and species and identifying opportunities for biodiversity enhancements

• To work with other teams across the council to address the council’s recently declared Climate and Ecological Emergency.



We welcome applicants whatever their personal characteristics or social identity. All requests for flexible working arrangements and reasonable adjustments will be considered.

The following candidates will be interviewed if they meet the essential criteria for the post they are applying for:

• Those who indicate that they have a disability. This is part of our commitment to the “Disability Confident” scheme;

• Those who indicate in their supporting statement that they are an Armed Forces Veteran or Reservist. This is part of our pledge to support the Armed Forces Covenant; and

• Those who indicate in their supporting statement that they are a Herefordshire care leaver. This is part of our commitment to supporting young people leaving our care.

Benefits with Herefordshire Council
Holidays: 25 days per year rising to 30 after 5 years’ service plus 2 days unpaid at Christmas (pro rata for part time)
Pension: LGS pension scheme

Pick your perks – our benefits include access to a range of retail, leisure, holiday and health benefits. This includes savings, cash back and discounts. We also offer an employee assistance programme that means you will have access to confidential support and advice if you ever need it.
Professional membership fees of a relevant institution will also be funded for this role.

Please refer to the Job Description and Person Specification for more details of this role.

To apply, please submit your CV along with a supporting statement, referring to the job description and person specification, detailing how you meet the specific requirements of the role.

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you would like to obtain details regarding feedback on your application please contact Hoople Resourcing at: enquiries@hoopleresourcing.co.uk