Job Description

Are you passionate about the natural environment? Do you like the idea of working with a team of dynamic and like-minded professionals helping to support sustainable development?
Who?
Wealden District Council is committed to enhancing our built and natural environment by protecting our heritage, supporting biodiversity, and promoting sustainable development.
We created the newly formed Built and Natural Environment Team to support the wider Planning & Environmental Service to ensure that planning applications, enforcement and related matters are dealt with effectively and efficiently.
We are looking for someone to be the lead biodiversity and ecology advisor in this team. That will include advising planning officers, and the wider Council, on a range of issues. Matters such as habitat and species protection, ecological enhancements and biodiversity net gain. All the while being mindful of the need to ensure that growth and development in the district is sustainable and considerate of these environmental issues. The role also includes management of a junior colleague.
If you're an experienced ecologist, then this role is for you!
What will you be doing?

• Dealing with matters relating to biodiversity net gain, habitat and species protection, and ensuring the Council fulfils on its biodiversity duty.
• Delivering timely, effective, and proportionate specialist input into planning applications and planning policy.
• Ensuring compliance with relevant planning legislation and policies.
• Working with partners and colleagues across the County on strategic biodiversity and ecological matters.

What do you need?

• Considerable experience in planning and natural environment matters.
• Some leadership and management experience, including performance management and staff supervision.
• Knowledge of relevant law, policy and guidance related to planning and the built and natural environment.
• Excellent communication skills, good customer service and proactive relationship building with internal and external stakeholders.
• Experience in the delivery of project-based work.

What do we offer?

• Working for a great, forward-thinking Local Authority.
• Excellent salary, pension, flexible working, fantastic employee benefits and comprehensive staff health & wellbeing scheme.
• A friendly, supportive team and a range of opportunities for continuing professional development.
• Hybrid working with the ability to work from home as well as from our newly refurbished offices in Hailsham.
• Free parking.
• Please note that you must have the right to work in the UK.

For more information
For more information and an informal chat about the opportunities please contact Samuel Batchelor, Development Manager, on 01892 602552 or Stacey Robins, Head of Planning & Environmental Services, on 01892 602518.
Post Number: H4015
Closing Date: 4 July 2025
Interview Date: W/c 14 July 2025
Wealden District Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.
We are committed to maintaining a diverse workforce and an inclusive work environment. We value the differences that people bring from all backgrounds and communities and all applications will be treated on merit.
To Apply
Please visit our 'How to Apply' page for advice on how best to complete your application.
Click on the "Apply Online Now" link to be taken to our online recruitment portal. You will be prompted to log in to your existing account or create a new one. Remember to add a contact email address and mobile number when applying.
Please note applications could time out. So, ensure you have created an account and save your information as you go along. We would suggest you keep a copy of your personal statement on a separate document until you are ready to paste this into your application and submit.
If you are unable to apply online, have a query or require an alternative application method, please email human.resources@wealden.gov.uk or call 01892 602424. Make sure you know the post number and include it in your email or provide it when asked during your telephone call.