Job Title : Interim Principal Ecologist Contract Length : 12 Weeks Location : Hereford Salary : Up to £54 per hour We are seeking an experienced Interim Principal Ecologist to lead and manage our ecological projects during a critical period of transition. This role offers the opportunity to work with a dynamic team of ecologists and environmental professionals, delivering high-quality ecological consultancy services while providing strategic oversight and expert guidance. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth delivery of ongoing projects, compliance with environmental regulations, and effective team leadership. These include complex bespoke calculations supported by detailed and non-standard data submissions and usually require bespoke legal agreements to provide required certainty for the HRA process. Will usually involve complex and detailed discussions and negotiations at a senior level in Natural England and with applicants and specialist contractors employed by the applicants. Nutrient Neutrality - includes but not limited to: Change of use of land/buildings (especially farm related) to generate NN, including calculations around changing surface water flows and sustainable drainage systems. Offsite nutrient neutrality solutions. Approving, legally securing and managing third-party phosphate credit schemes. Intensive agricultural developments - eg AD Plants, waste to heat/energy, poultry and livestock units, polytunnels. Major residential applications not utilising a standard foul water and sustainable drainage scheme. Other alternative NN schemes such as fertiliser production. Other HRA – includes but not limited to: Air emission and deposition from agricultural developments and incineration. Significant recreational effects. Other significant water or air pollution such as waste water treatment works upgrades and integrated constructed wetlands. Drafting, proofing and publishing updated council guidance and FAQs. Specialist advice and processes in respect of Council’s own Nutrient Neutrality Schemes. Technical support making comments on large/major/strategic developments and on significant developments by the council. Representing Natural Environment Service/Ecology at Planning appeal hearings and co-ordinating/proofing written representations. Managing this charged for scheme, liaising and obtaining advice from Natural England’s Discretionary Advice Service. Providing specialist input in to drafting of reports. Checking final reports are technically and legally correct. Providing high level support to Development Management Team including advice on legal agreements and “significant” habitats and gains.. Working to develop, approve and legally secure Habitat Banks in the county. Developing strategic approach to BNG Drafting, proofing and publishing updated council guidance and FAQs. Job Type: Temporary Contract length: 12 weeks Pay: Up to £54.00 per hour Expected hours: 37 per week Schedule: Monday to Friday
