Planning Ecology Officer
| Posting date: | 05 December 2025 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £34,435 to £37,488 per year |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 04 January 2026 |
| Location: | Newport, Isle Of Wight |
| Remote working: | Hybrid - work remotely up to 2 days per week |
| Company: | Isle of Wight Council |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | 2025_1653 |
Summary
37 hours per week
Do you care about the natural environment you live in?
Do you want to make positive difference?
Do you believe that development can benefit nature and people at the same time?
Whether you are starting your career in ecology or are looking for something different, this could the role for you!
With a newly appointed Senior Planning Ecologist, a well-advanced new local plan, clear Biodiversity Net Gain processes and a sector-leading Local Nature Recovery Strategy the local planning authority is well-placed to deliver on its commitment to protecting and enhancing the natural environment on the beautiful and ecologically unique Isle of Wight.
An opportunity has arisen at this exciting time for a positive and ambitious person to work within Planning Services as a Planning Ecology Officer supporting the Senior Planning Ecology Officer.
They will work together to meet the Council’s biodiversity duty and achieve the best outcomes by:
Facilitating nature-positive and development
Giving professional ecological advice by reviewing and commenting on planning applications
Implementing Biodiversity Net Gain processes
Contributing to the delivery of the Island’s Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS)
Engaging with all stakeholders in the planning process as necessary
Providing advice on all aspects of ecology within the planning process
The successful candidate will have the ability to hit the ground running and to pick up their own caseload, carrying out investigations and writing reports. This is a role where you must be able to communicate clearly and liaise with a wide range of stakeholders.
The Senior Planning Ecology Officer said “I love that my role helps ensure that the right development is in the right place, that legally protected species and habitats are not harmed. I am passionate about making sure that new development includes space for nature and that people benefit from this too. I’m so lucky to be supported by such a knowledgeable and friendly team.”
For further information or an informal discussion, please contact Carolyn Herbert, Senior Planning Ecologist, carolyn.herbert@iow.gov.uk or Sarah Wilkinson, Planning Development Manager, sarah.wilkinson@iow.gov.uk
Join #TeamIWC and you'll receive our staff benefits package, including:
Annual leave entitlement of 32 days p/a PLUS public holidays!
Local Government pension scheme
Discounted Solent ferry travel
Island bus network discount
Cycle to work scheme
Staff parking permit scheme
Discounted island sports & leisure gym membership
National and local discounts & benefits schemes
Relocation scheme of up to £8,000 may be available for some roles (subject to criteria)
Travel allowance may be available if commuting from the mainland (subject to criteria)
Do you care about the natural environment you live in?
Do you want to make positive difference?
Do you believe that development can benefit nature and people at the same time?
Whether you are starting your career in ecology or are looking for something different, this could the role for you!
With a newly appointed Senior Planning Ecologist, a well-advanced new local plan, clear Biodiversity Net Gain processes and a sector-leading Local Nature Recovery Strategy the local planning authority is well-placed to deliver on its commitment to protecting and enhancing the natural environment on the beautiful and ecologically unique Isle of Wight.
An opportunity has arisen at this exciting time for a positive and ambitious person to work within Planning Services as a Planning Ecology Officer supporting the Senior Planning Ecology Officer.
They will work together to meet the Council’s biodiversity duty and achieve the best outcomes by:
Facilitating nature-positive and development
Giving professional ecological advice by reviewing and commenting on planning applications
Implementing Biodiversity Net Gain processes
Contributing to the delivery of the Island’s Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS)
Engaging with all stakeholders in the planning process as necessary
Providing advice on all aspects of ecology within the planning process
The successful candidate will have the ability to hit the ground running and to pick up their own caseload, carrying out investigations and writing reports. This is a role where you must be able to communicate clearly and liaise with a wide range of stakeholders.
The Senior Planning Ecology Officer said “I love that my role helps ensure that the right development is in the right place, that legally protected species and habitats are not harmed. I am passionate about making sure that new development includes space for nature and that people benefit from this too. I’m so lucky to be supported by such a knowledgeable and friendly team.”
For further information or an informal discussion, please contact Carolyn Herbert, Senior Planning Ecologist, carolyn.herbert@iow.gov.uk or Sarah Wilkinson, Planning Development Manager, sarah.wilkinson@iow.gov.uk
Join #TeamIWC and you'll receive our staff benefits package, including:
Annual leave entitlement of 32 days p/a PLUS public holidays!
Local Government pension scheme
Discounted Solent ferry travel
Island bus network discount
Cycle to work scheme
Staff parking permit scheme
Discounted island sports & leisure gym membership
National and local discounts & benefits schemes
Relocation scheme of up to £8,000 may be available for some roles (subject to criteria)
Travel allowance may be available if commuting from the mainland (subject to criteria)
Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme
Disability Confident
About Disability Confident
A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. For more details please go to Disability Confident.