Job Introduction
We currently have an exciting opportunity to join Lincolnshire County Council’s Planning Team as an Infrastructure Ecologist to assist and advise on the delivery of strategic infrastructure, including a growing number of Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs) that are emerging in Lincolnshire. Additionally, you will take a lead role in monitoring the effective delivery and implementation of landscaping, ecological mitigation measures, and Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) commitments secured through the planning process.
About the role
We are looking for a highly motivated, organised and passionate ecologist to provide expert technical advice on Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs) and other development proposals to deliver the best possible outcomes for Lincolnshire residents and our environment. There are lots of exciting areas to be involved in and to have a positive impact on how we manage the natural environment across Lincolnshire.
Numerous energy and other major infrastructure projects are being brought forward in Lincolnshire. You will be working at the forefront of major infrastructure delivery across Lincolnshire, including large scale solar projects, energy from waste, carbon capture, transmission infrastructure and cable routes from off-shore wind farms, as well as a proposed new reservoir and more are expected.
You will be joining our friendly and supportive multidisciplinary infrastructure team of specialists to respond to the NSIPs which comprise some of the biggest planning projects the County faces. This post will involve collaborative working with promotors, applicants, communities, and stakeholders. The successful candidate will carry out a range of duties, including undertaking ecological field surveys and inspections, representing the Council at meetings and appearing at examinations, inquiries and hearings.
About you
We are looking for someone who is comfortable working at a strategic level with a broad variety of decision-makers and stakeholders.
We invite applications from individuals who can:
- Demonstrate experience and knowledge of ecology/biodiversity/landscape work within the Planning system including carrying out site inspections and field surveys.
- Are knowledgeable of Town and Country planning and ecological legislation and good practice, including the requirements of the Environment Act 2021 in respect of BNG.
- Have the ability to assess complex planning proposals, in particular NSIP’s in respect of ecology and biodiversity.
- Display excellent communication and problem solving skills and confident in liaising with officers, councillors, applicant’s, the public and other stakeholders.
- Demonstrate excellent project management skills and the ability to provide expert technical advice in a timely manner.
On joining the team, you will be well supported, but you will be able to find your feet quickly.
Applicants must hold a Degree or Post Graduate qualification in Ecology or a related subject. Membership of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management and/or the Landscape Institute is desirable.
About Our Offer
Along with a competitive salary we are offering:
- “Green book” Local Government terms and conditions
- Access to Local Government Pension scheme (contribution rate of approx. 24%)
- Comprehensive benefits package including salary sacrifice for cars, cycles, plus excellent discount schemes
- 37 hour working week (as full time) including flexible and hybrid working
- A generous leave entitlement with a minimum of 28 days plus bank holidays and the option to buy more
- Free financial wellbeing advice
If this sounds like the role for you, then please read through the full Job Description, before clicking apply! If you would like to know more about Lincolnshire County Council and our current vacancies then click on over
to www.lincolnshire.gov.uk.
PLEASE NOTE: It is imperative that your covering letter/personal statement clearly states why you have applied, how you meet the essential and desirable criteria for the role as set out in the Job Description (attached on LCC jobs Site) and what you feel you can bring to this role, the team and the wider County Council.
Applications will close on 8 April 2026 and interviews will take place on or around 21 April 2026.
For a confidential and informal discussion about the role please contact:
Justine Foster – Infrastructure Manager via email justine.foster@lincolnshire.gov.uk
Best of luck with your application.
Please refer to our Job Information Pack here to support you in your application.
Please be advised that this position may be subject to a criminal record check.
On occasion we receive significantly more applications than expected for some vacancies and under such circumstances we reserve the right to bring forward the closing date of the advertisement. We therefore strongly advise you to apply for the role promptly to avoid disappointment should the closing date be brought forward. Please also note: once an application is submitted it is final and cannot be amended. If you withdraw your application, it cannot be reinstated and you will not be able to submit another application for that vacancy. If you have an issue with your submitted application, please contact recruitment@lincolnshire.gov.uk.
We operate a talent pool scheme whereby candidates who are not successful on this occasion may be considered for a period of up to 3 months for equal positions.
Lincolnshire County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
A Smarter Working Employer
We have embraced new ways of working and hybrid working will be a feature of this role. You will be given a nominated contractual work base and you will be required to commute to this work base when necessary. Working arrangements regarding hybrid working will be discussed as part of the appointment process.
Our technology platform and equipment is very good enabling you to connect and collaborate remotely. We require that you have in place good connectivity, and we will discuss during the recruitment process if support with this is needed.
Fluency Duty
In accordance with Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016 (Fluency Duty), the ability to converse at ease with customers and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post.
Our values – collaborative, adaptable, eco-conscious, supportive, and responsible – guide everything we do. We’re looking for candidates who share these values and bring them to life in their work, helping us build strong teams and make a real difference in the communities we serve.
Attached documents
