Job profile

About the team we are recruiting to: 

Planning is about making the best use of land and making places where people want to live, work and play.  Through preparation and implementation of land use planning policies and guidance, our work unlocks growth, contributing significantly towards our corporate objects, and strives to protect and improve the built and natural environment. 

The team specialisms include Ecology, Conservation, Landscape, Urban Design and Planning Policy Officers.  The professional expertise in the wider service and Council makes it a great place to work and opportunities to develop skills and knowledge.  

About the role:

We are looking for a passionate Ecology Officer to expand on the well-rounded and knowledgeable Planning Strategy team to ensure the Council is meeting its duties under the Environment Act 2021 in relation to biodiversity net gain.   

Working with a wider team, you will provide specialist ecology advice and prepare policies on all aspects of biodiversity.  You will support and be a key player in the council’s responses to biodiversity challenges and delivering government legislation.   

What you will need:

• Strong technical knowledge of biodiversity issues
• The ability to generate innovative and deliverable solutions.
• A degree or working towards a degree or equivalent in ecology, conservation biology, environmental management or any related natural environment discipline.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills for effective teamwork, client and stakeholder engagement, both written and spoken
• Good problem-solving skills and approach
• Proficient in using IT
• Ability to manage time, workload and tight deadlines while remaining, focused, calm and professional
• Willingness to learn and share knowledge

Please refer to the job description and person specification for full details of this exciting opportunity.

Why work for us? Our benefits include:

• annual leave entitlement of 25 days per annum (pro rata if part time) plus bank holidays, increasing to 29 days plus bank holidays after 5 years’ service (with an option to buy up to an additional 10 days annual leave each year subject to approval)
• a generous pension scheme (LGPS) including life assurance (a payment of three times your annual salary)
• flexible working options to enable work/life balance
• agile working (ability to work in the office and from home) with work being an activity we do, not a place we go
• access to a unique employee benefits package which includes discounts and cashback on supermarkets, high street shops, holidays, mobile phones, electrical goods, savings and loan schemes and many other products and services
• Salary sacrifice benefits including Cycle to Work scheme, Tusker Leased Car Scheme and SmartTech (buy the latest tech products interest free and spread the cost over your salary).
• Rail and bus staff discounts
• a range of Health and Wellbeing initiatives including an employee assistance programme
• discounted membership at Abbeycroft Leisure centres
• a culture of learning inspiring staff to focus on continuous learning
• Modern office accommodation

For more information:

For an informal discussion and further information please contact Marie Smith, Head of Planning Service on 01638 719260 or email marie.smith@westsuffolk.gov.uk

Job description

Person specification

Core values

Closing date: 31 March 2025 

Interview date: to be confirmed 

West Suffolk Council has been rated in the top 10 councils for climate action and as a member of UK100 has demonstrated its commitment to a rapid transition to Net Zero with Clean Air in our communities. The council has declared a climate and biodiversity emergency and is committed to working towards net zero emissions by 2030.