Ecologist

We are looking for an Ecologist to join our Taunton based Ecology Team on a full time, permanent basis. This role is career graded with opportunities starting from £22,183 per annum depending on experience and qualifications with a maximum salary of £34,728 per annum. 

Somerset County Council is an exciting and vibrant place to work. The county has a diverse landscape with a mixture of rural and urban areas, including 4 Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and 124 Sites of Special Scientific Interest. Somerset Ecology Services (part of Somerset County Council) deliver the ecology services for the County and (through agreement) District Councils.  We are in a great position working alongside the planning teams, to help shape local growth, create great places and protect and enhance the natural environment, by way of our statutory responsibility and a genuine commitment to achieving the best for the people of Somerset.  Somerset is a great place to develop a career with the unique landscapes and vast range of biodiversity that we have here.

Here's what you can expect to be doing

We have some fantastic opportunities here at Somerset County Council, primarily for a Senior Ecologist, however we are open to the opportunity that a career graded post could offer someone with less experience, but who is enthusiastic and keen to develop.  You will report to the County Ecologist, who leads the Somerset Ecology Service, a small team who deliver the statutory obligations of the County Council.  A successful and relevant track record is necessary for this post, however, we are also keen to hear from other qualified ecologists, who would like to broaden their experience – please get in touch to discuss.

A few things about you

We are looking for people who are passionate about making a positive difference to the Somerset landscape and have a desire to improve the built and natural environment. As a qualified ecologist and member of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM) , you will need be committed to working as part of the Somerset Ecology Service, delivering the high-quality service that has been established and keen to help other officers reach their full potential.

If you feel you are an outstanding individual that thinks they could rise to any of the challenges outlined in the above – then we would love to hear from you

Additional information

For more information or an informal discussion about this post please contact Simon Breeze MCIEEM, County Ecologist, on 07890 581168 or by emailing SBreeze@somerset.gov.uk. 

All interviews will be taking place virtually over MS Teams.

Why choose Somerset County Council

We are proud to offer an environment that is supportive and rewarding, working as part of a team who are passionate about the work they do to improve the lives of people in Somerset. We offer great training and development opportunities, with supportive management. As well as this, we have some fantastic employee benefits available:

• We promote a healthy work-life balance and offer flexible working arrangements wherever possible, including working from home.
• Generous annual leave allowance, with the opportunity to purchase additional leave.
• Staff discounts in gyms.
• Employee Assistance for the times you may need some support and a variety of employee wellbeing services.
• Auto enrolment onto our generous Pension Scheme and optional pension enhancement through our Additional Voluntary Contribution scheme.
• A Flexible Benefits Scheme via salary sacrifice to obtain a cycle for work and health screenings.
• My Staff Shop offering discounts in shops, online shopping, restaurants, cinema tickets, insurance benefits and more.

APPLICATIONS and Available documents

• Ecologist - Candidate Pack.pdf