Central Bedfordshire Council
Ecologist & BNG Officer
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Ecologist & BNG Officer
Ecologist – Natural Environment Team
Team: PND - Technical Team Job Family: Enabling (CBG10/CBG11 – dependent on experience; support available for progression) Salary:
- CBG10: £38,476 - £40,069 per annum pro rata
- CBG11: £41,042 - £44,296 per annum pro rata Hours: 37 hours per week Location: Hybrid – expected attendance at Central Bedfordshire Council offices for site visits and business needs (minimum once per month) Contract Type: Hybrid – Permanent Closing Date: 19th July 2026 Interview Week: W/C 20th July 2026
About the Role
Central Bedfordshire Council is seeking an Ecologist to join its Natural Environment team within the Technical Skills Team. This professional role entails providing ecological advice across the planning system and broader council initiatives, playing a key part in:
- Protecting and enhancing Central Bedfordshire’s biodiversity
- Supporting sustainable development
- Helping deliver the council’s nature recovery networks and biodiversity net gain (BNG) ambitions
The council has an ambitious growth plan for 2025, targeting 39,000 new homes and 24,000 jobs, and is preparing a new Local Plan to 2050. As the Responsible Authority for the Bedfordshire LNRS (Local Nature Recovery Strategy), biodiversity goals are critical to this agenda.
What You’ll Be Doing
As the Ecologist, you will provide robust, independent ecological advice on planning applications—from major developments to small household projects—working closely with internal colleagues and external stakeholders.
Core Responsibilities
- Reviewing planning applications and associated ecological surveys, including:
- Interpretation of wildlife and habitats legislation
- Assessment of biodiversity net gain (BNG) proposals and related planning conditions
- Negotiating with applicants, agents, and consultees to agree mitigation measures and planning conditions in collaboration with Development Management Case Officers
- Fieldwork:
- Undertaking site visits, ecological surveys, monitoring BNG, and Council-owned SANG (Site of Thematic Significance) locations
- Overseeing long-term Mineral and Waste Restoration Plans
- Expert Representation:
- Acting as an expert witness at planning appeals, hearings, inquiries, and public forums
- Representing the Council at planning meetings and forums
- Strategic engagement: Providing ecological input to the Local Plan and policy-making documents
- Enforcement: Assisting the legislative compliance team in identifying breaches of conditions or legislation
- Cross-team collaboration: Working with Planning, Environment, Highways, Parks, and Legal Services, alongside external partners like Natural England, the Environment Agency, and local wildlife organisations
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Requirements
- Qualifications:
- Degree (or equivalent) in ecology, nature conservation, or a related field
- Minimum Associate Membership of—or active progression toward—a relevant professional body (e.g., CIEEM)
- Knowledge and Experience:
- Strong understanding of wildlife legislation, ecological best practice, and application in the planning system
- Experience providing technical ecological advice, including biodiversity net gain (BNG)
- Proficiency in ecological field survey techniques
- Ability to interpret technical reports, legislation, and policy, and present balanced, clear advice to diverse stakeholders (internal and external)
- Skills:
- Strong communication and confidence in engaging with developers, statutory consultees, and the public
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively, managing multiple workloads and targeting tight deadlines
- A full driving licence and capability to travel throughout the county, including rough terrain visits
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Our Offer
The council provides:
- A variety of rewards and benefits (viewable via the Rewards and Benefits page)
- Flexibility in working arrangements—location, hours, and patterns open to discussion in the application process
Next Steps & Additional Guidance
- You must submit your application via Central Bedfordshire Council’s online system (paper applications will not be considered).
- For an informal discussion, contact:
- Alex Fraser, Ecologist: 07356 138309 | Alexandra.Fraser2@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk
- Siobhan Vincent, Technical Skills Team Leader: 0300 300 4346 | siobhan.vincent@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk
- Workshop support is available for CV writing and application guidance via the National Careers Service (book here).
- Probation period: New starters complete a four-month probationary period.
- Hybrid requirements: You must be available for increased office attendance during the initial onboarding phase to ensure smoother transition.
All roles at the council require legal authorisation to live and work in the UK. Sponsorship for visas is not provided.
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