Graduate Ecologist

Huntingdonshire District Council (HDC) is passionate about providing high-quality services to our communities, residents and businesses. This means we must employ and retain the most talented and dedicated people.

Situated within the heart of the Cambridge-Peterborough Growth Area, Huntingdonshire is a beautiful district that boasts thriving market towns and many attractive villages, each with its own identity. We are an innovative and forward-thinking local authority whose residents are at the heart of our decision-making.

At HDC we want to employ staff who embody our icare values (Inspiring, Collaborative, Accountable, Respectful, Enterprising), all of which support our ultimate purpose of putting our customers first.

Job details

We have an exciting new role that offers an inspiring, entry-level opportunity for an Ecologist to embed themselves in our highly motivated Parks and Countryside Service to deliver improved biodiversity across Huntingdonshire. You will be responsible for ensuring that biodiversity audits and advice for council parks and open spaces are delivered.

As a key point of contact for ecology advice for our Biodiversity for All programme, you will be a critical connection between the programme and local landowners, Town/Parish Council, and other stakeholders, enabling the delivery of measured biodiversity improvements with the District. You will be integral in supporting the delivery of the programme to include project support and delivery.

A Bit About You

Using your demonstrable knowledge of British habitat management and Ecological surveying techniques along with a good understanding of wildlife law, particularly where it applies to protected species, you will use your experience to advise on habitat management, carry out Ecological surveys and create audit reports.

Using your analytical skills, you will present written information in a structured and balanced way ensuring complex information is communicated to a wide audience.

With excellent interpersonal skills you will inspire confidence at all levels and be skilled at cultivating strong working relationships of the many stakeholders you will have contact with.

A natural networker, you'll be known for your reliability, attention to detail and organisational skills alongside a collaborative and proactive approach, with the ability to work effectively on your own initiative.

We know our people are what make HDC great and recognise how important a healthy work-life balance is. Our hybrid work model enables colleagues to work remotely whilst allowing for in-office collaboration opportunities across the district, we offer a truly flexible place to work.

An offer of employment is conditional upon having the right to work in the UK. Huntingdonshire District Council does not hold a Sponsorship Licence and are unable to provide a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) or take over sponsorship for any role.

Apply

To apply for this position please complete the application form.

The closing date is 9am 6 November 2024 and interviews will be held the week commencing 11 November 2024.

However, this is a rolling campaign and we'll be reviewing applications on an ongoing basis and will close the advert early should we receive suitable applications, so please don't delay in applying!

For many of our roles (and where it is possible) we are currently working remotely and anticipate in the future returning to a hybrid office model on a flexible basis. This will still include work-from-home and flexi-time opportunities to provide a good work-life balance whilst ensuring that teams benefit from in-person interaction. Candidates should therefore be within commutable distance of our offices in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire or able to attend meetings as required if further afield.

Should you have any additional questions regarding submitting an application, please contact the Recruitment Team at [email protected].

Please note that the official closing date is as above, and will be the correct date. Some third-party websites may have different dates. Please refer to the HDC website for the official closing date to ensure you do not miss out on applying.

Working for the council

As an employer who values diversity of thought, we seek to employ candidates from a range of backgrounds in order to make our organisation more innovative. We are seeking candidates who are looking for their next career opportunity and are supportive employers, enabling our staff to work in an environment that produces high standards of work in an employee-led environment.

Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our recruitment and along with our values we are committed to creating an inclusive working environment, where diversity is valued and there is equality of opportunity. We therefore welcome applications from all sections of the community and we offer a range of benefits, including flexitime, to encourage a work-life balance.