Job Description

We are looking for individuals with good habitat and species survey skills, experience of the planning system, the statutory metrics and the principles of Biodiversity Net Gain.

WHAT IS INVOLVED?

You will assist Environment and Design in delivering an integrated service across the disciplines of Ecology, Landscape, Heritage and Archaeology.



You will support the Ecology Team in delivering specialist ecological services across the Council. Including advising on development management and spatial planning, wildlife legislation, project development and land management.



You will promote the integration of biodiversity issues into the work of the authority in line with its statutory duty under section 40 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act (2006) and the Environment Act (2021).



We encourage you to contact Stuart Priestley, Ecology Manager via email at stuart.priestley@durham.gov.uk to arrange an informal discussion about the role.

WHAT WILL I NEED?

You will need a Degree in Ecology or other relevent subject.



You should have substantial experience of habitat and species surveys, condition assessments and site evaluation or have proven experience working within the sector.



You will have excellent knowledge of protected species and wider UK and international wildlife legislation and experience of the development management planning system gained through ecological consultancy, working for a Local Planning Authority or other relevant mechanism,



Please refer to the attached person specification for the full criteria.

INTERVIEWS

Interviews will be held week commencing 1 December 2025.



We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants that can show they meet all the essential criteria and have indicated they have a disability, are a looked after young person, care leaver or a veteran.

OUR OFFER TO YOU

We offer a competitive rewards package that includes attractive salaries, a generous annual leave entitlement of 27 days (rising to 32 after five years continuous local government service), membership of the excellent contributory career average Local Government Pension Scheme, and a range of flexible working arrangements including hybrid working (home and office) where applicable. Explore the full range of rewards and benefits on our website (https://www.durham.gov.uk/article/26895/Rewards-and-benefits-if-you-work-for-us)

Rewards and benefits are subject to individual terms and conditions.

REMOVAL AND LODGINGS

Removal, lodging and separation expenses may be available to the successful candidate if at the time of application for appointment their place of residence is outside the administrative area of County Durham and more than 30 miles in a straight line from their new administrative centre, along with several other criteria for eligibility.

EQUALITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION

We are a proud equal opportunities employer and believe a diverse workforce brings fresh ideas and drives service improvement. We welcome applications from everyone and make employment decisions based on skills and ability. As a Disability Confident Leader, we actively encourage applications from disabled people and offer support throughout the recruitment process.

HOW TO APPLY

Please note, we do not accept CVs. All applications must be submitted online via the Northeast Jobs portal. Use the Person Specification section of the form to clearly demonstrate how you meet the essential (and where possible, desirable) criteria. Applications that do not evidence the essential requirements will not be shortlisted. For guidance on completing your application, visit our website (https://www.durham.gov.uk/article/2083/How-to-apply-for-a-job-with-us)



If you require assistance when applying for this role, please contact our Recruitment Helpdesk on 03000 26 27 27, or via email RecruitmentNE@durham.gov.uk



All correspondence relating to your application will be sent from donotreply@northeastjobs.org.uk. Kindly check your spam/junk folder regularly to ensure you dont miss any updates.

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