Come and work for an award-winning organisation!
We are an ambitious and forward-thinking council. We are committed to making Cheltenham a better place to live and work, enabling communities and businesses to thrive whilst protecting what is good about our town.
We aim to be an employer of choice where everyone is treated fairly and feels valued and respected. We aim to provide a stimulating and rewarding working environment that encourages our people to work together, provides opportunities for them to reach their full potential and achieve a healthy work/life balance.
Working at Cheltenham Borough Council means working as part of a committed, professional, and friendly team.
Cheltenham Borough Council is a multi-award-winning local authority, recognised for our dynamic approach to Place Shaping and regeneration. As a council, we're not just keeping pace with change — we're shaping it. We’re driving bold, sustainable economic growth across the borough, and right now, we’re looking for a passionate Senior Planning Ecologist to help lead the way on Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG).
About the role:
- To support the Development Management function of the council in applying and implementing Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG).
- To provide pre-application input/advice to colleagues and planning applicants in respect of Biodiversity Net Gain.
- To assess planning application submissions to ensure compliance with relevant BNG policy/legislation including the assessment of submitted BNG matrices and BNG delivery proposals.
- To have an enabling role in supporting applicants (and colleagues) resolve any issues encountered in devising BNG proposals and undertaking BNG matrix calculations etc.
- To assess the accuracy and appropriateness of BNG Plans to ensure that proposed solutions (including onsite/offsite solutions) are acceptable and appropriate.
- To assist and provide support to colleagues in the discharge of BNG / ecology related planning conditions.
- To support Planning colleagues in respect of planning appeals where BNG / ecology is a relevant issue.
- Provide support and expert advice in respect of non-BNG ecological matters as the need arises (noting that the priority and focus of this role is BNG support).
This job description sets out the key outcomes required. It does not specify in detail all the activities required to achieve these outcomes.
General accountabilities
- Work to add value to, and be a valued member of, the team and to be valued by customers.
- Maintain a safe working environment and ensuring, as reasonably practicable, that safe working practices are adopted by employees within the working environment.
- Work in compliance with the codes of conduct, regulations (including financial) and policies of the council.
- Exercise proper and absolute integrity in respect of all confidential matters and the confidentiality of personal and sensitive information.
Show a commitment to safeguarding the welfare of vulnerable adults, young people and children, in line with the organisation’s policy.
What can we do for you...
- An excellent pension scheme. You will be eligible to join the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
- A generous holiday entitlement of 26 days (pro rata) rising to 31 days (pro rata) after five years (excluding Bank Holidays).
- A flexible and agile working environment. We aim to provide opportunities to work from home or elsewhere and offer flexibility in working hours.
- A comprehensive programme of learning and development.
- Two days (pro rata) paid time off for volunteering.
- Enhanced maternity and paternity schemes.
- Access to free counselling services.
- Upon successful completion of your probation period, you will then have access to our Healthcare Cashback Plan.
- A cycle to work scheme.
- Low-cost town centre parking.
- A commitment to employee wellbeing.
