Environment and Design Manager – Ecology (North Yorkshire Council)

As our Environment and Design Manager (Ecology), you’ll take the professional lead for ecology within our Planning Service, leading a specialist team and influencing how environmental considerations are embedded in future growth and development across North Yorkshire.

This is a senior role offering significant professional autonomy and variety. You’ll help shape the new North Yorkshire Local Plan, influence strategic policy and place-making, and work alongside specialists in Landscape, Urban Design and the Historic Environment.

You’ll also enjoy the flexibility of hybrid working, combining home working with access to our collaborative office bases in Selby, Richmond, Scarborough, Northallerton, Skipton and Harrogate.

Our team

The Council’s Planning Service plays a fundamental role in shaping North Yorkshire’s natural and built environment. We’re working to ensure future development meets the needs of our communities while creating great places to live, work and visit.

Role summary

You’ll be one of three Environment and Design Managers within Planning Policy and Place, working across a multidisciplinary service covering Ecology, Landscape, Urban Design and the Historic Environment.

Working collaboratively with your fellow managers and specialist teams, you’ll help deliver high-quality, sustainable development across North Yorkshire while ensuring ecology is effectively represented in strategic planning, policy and development management.

Your key work areas will include:

• Working closely with the Environment and Design Managers to deliver strategic work across all specialisms on behalf of the council and with neighbouring authorities.
• Supporting the preparation of new policies and site allocations within the North Yorkshire Local Plan and relevant guidance and appraisals.
• Providing training and specialist advice on Ecology to support the development management process and ensure legislative requirements are met.

The breadth of the role calls for a strong understanding of ecology alongside an appreciation of related technical disciplines. You’ll work collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders, partners and infrastructure providers to achieve positive outcomes.