Job Description

Ecologist (Highways Services)

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Closing date:

06/01/2026

Reference:

REQ106400


37 hours / Permanent
39,152 - 40,777 *
Aberaeron
*All salary values are pro-rata.
About the role
We are seeking to recruit an Ecologist to join our Highway Asset & 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.



Our offer to you



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.



In exchange for your skills and commitment we will offer you a range of employee benefits including flexible working, competitive annual leave allowance, pension scheme with 14.6% employer contribution, enhanced family benefits, lifestyle savings and employee health and wellbeing packages.



More information about our wide-ranging employee benefits can be found here.



and Person Specification



Get in touch



Should you wish require any further information about this role please contact Owen Stephens: Owen.Stephens@ceredigion.gov.uk



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


What we offer
Work-life balance
Lifestyle savings scheme
Generous employer pension scheme
Cycle to work scheme
Learning and development
Where you'll work

Highways and Environmental

We deliver efficient, sustainable and bilingual services to the people of Ceredigion, promoting well-being in our communities, pride in a healthy well-kept environment, and confidence in our local economy. Our key responsibilities include:


Transport Services: Corporate transport; Fleet management; Parking Services; Harbours. Highways Maintenance: Cyclic and Routine Maintenance; Emergency response; Highways inspection; Winter service. Highways Development: Planning liaison; Road safety; Regional transport; Street lighting; Streetworks; Traffic management; CWIC/NMWTRA; Design supervision; Flood and coastal risk management; Highways improvement. Local Environment Services: Waste Collections; Household waste sites; Grounds maintenance; Street cleaning.

Aberaeron

Aberaeron is a picture perfect harbour town and is one of Ceredigion's best loved holiday destinations with fashionable places to stay and eat.