Overview

Powys County Council are seeking to appoint an Ecology Technician to join the Engineering Design Service Ecology Team. As a local authority our activities have a direct impact on species and habitats, such as managing publicly owned land, planning for local housing and maintaining and improving the road network.

We are looking for a motivated individual with a degree in Ecology or a related subject and minimum of 2 years’ experience of ecological field survey work including protected species, habitat and vegetation survey.

The successful candidate will support the delivery of professional advice in relation to all ecological and biodiversity matters to relevant Powys County Council service areas including planning, design services, estate management and general maintenance to guide the ecological management of Powys’ natural resources and to ensure that County Council meets its statutory obligations in respect of conserving biodiversity, protected species, statutory designated sites and other nature conservation matters.

Main Purpose of Post:

To support the delivery and management of ecological assessment and mitigation works in relation to Powys County Council Service Areas.

To assist with and provide advice on ecological and biodiversity matters for the County of Powys to ensure consideration is given to the relevant National and International legislation and policies and where possible ensure that opportunities for ecological/biodiversity enhancements are incorporated.

 Principal Responsibilities:

• Under the direction of an ecology lead, where appropriate take responsibility for ecological assessments and surveys and support the provision of professional specialist and technical advice on all ecological and biodiversity matters to Powys County Council Service Areas & Clients thereby assisting in the fulfilment of PCC commitments and legal obligations to incorporate conservation of the natural environment into the design and planning process.
• Provide advice and support using your knowledge and skills to others within the Section on Ecological matters.
• Programme and prioritise your workload in order to achieve delivery deadlines.
• To provide environmental support and supervision where required (Ecological Clerk of Works role) to various PCC service areas. This could include:

• • Providing environmental site induction and training;
  • Ensuring works are carried out in line with relevant legislation, policies, good practice standards and protected species licence specifications; and
  • Ensuring mitigation and compensation is undertaken to the required specifications etc.
• Under the direction of an ecology lead assist with the technical responses to; planning applications, pre-application enquiries, Environmental Statements (for major development schemes), Public Enquiries and proposals that result in land use changes i.e. Woodland Grant Schemes and Agricultural Environmental Impact Assessment consultations.
• To assist with the provision of specialist technical advice to PCC Forward Planning Team to ensure key biodiversity issues identified in National and Regional planning guidance is incorporated into local planning policies (including SEA) and PCC Development Plans.
• To support the obtaining of protected species licensing and Statutory Nature Conservation Organisation assent (with regard to protected sites) for Engineering Design Service and Client’s projects and plans.
• To participate in any training and development activities in order to maintain own professional development or to enhance competence within job role.
• Provide support and where appropriate provide ecology/biodiversity advice and training for other members of staff to promote compliance with current International and National Legislation to achieve Welsh Government planning and biodiversity targets.
• To support the Lead Local Flood Authority (PCC) with the Ordinary Watercourse Regulatory function in line with the Flood and Water Management Act 2010.
• Provide support for, attend and participate in public engagements and marketing strategies to ensure the best possible service is delivered to the public. Interact with members of the public and deal with enquiries and complaints relating to the work you are involved with.
• To maintain close working links with the Statutory Nature Conservation Organisations, local Wildlife Trusts and other agencies and bodies as necessary.
• To deputise for the Planning & Highways Ecologist in times of absence.
• Welsh Competency Level – I can, or am prepared to learn within a reasonable time period, how to pronounce Welsh personal and place-names correctly, and I can give and respond to basic greetings on the telephone or in person.
• To address health and safety policies and arrangements in a pro-active manner to ensure that a high standard of safe working practices are maintained.
• To actively support and implement the principles and practice of equality of opportunity as laid down in the Council’s Equal Opportunities Policy.
• There is no DBS Check requirement for this position.