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Welcome to our job vacancies page.  See below for current opportunities.  We always welcome speculative applications so don't wait and send a copy of your CV to careers@lepusconsulting.com

For the last decade, we have worked with a steady stream of the UK's local planning authorities. We’re a national environmental assessment consultancy with roots firmly grounded in: passion for our global environment; hard work;  good relationships and having fun while we deliver our projects.  We take pride in our work and accept that sustainable development requires compromises as well as positive aspiration. While the world knows us as agents of procedural expertise and assessment excellence,  we think of ourselves as something more. If that sounds good to you then we hope you’ll join us.

Environmental Planning Consultant

Lepus Consulting works extensively across England supporting the development of Local Plans — the strategic blueprints that shape how towns, cities, and rural areas evolve over the next 15 years.
Local Plans are far more than documents; they are instruments of change that influence climate action, housing delivery, infrastructure development, biodiversity protection, green infrastructure and community wellbeing.


As an Environmental Planning Consultant, you will support the preparation and review of Local Plans and environmental policies, helping our clients navigate the complex planning reforms underway. This role offers a unique opportunity to be involved in placemaking at scale — working on projects that shape the future of communities across the country.


Responsibilities

  • Support the preparation, review, and consultation stages of Local Plans and related environmental policies.
  • Assist with Sustainability Appraisals (SA) and Strategic Environmental Assessments (SEA) to ensure compliance and embed sustainability principles.
  • Conduct research, data collection, and policy analysis to inform planning and environmental assessments.
  • Interpret and manage spatial data using GIS software (e.g., QGIS, ArcGIS) to support evidence bases and mapping requirements.
  • Prepare and help present reports, consultation materials, and technical documents for clients, stakeholders, and the public.
  • Liaise with local planning authorities, statutory consultees, developers, and community groups as part of project delivery.
  • Maintain awareness of ongoing planning reforms, government housing targets (e.g., 1.5 million homes over five years), and environmental legislation.
  • Participate in professional development activities and contribute to knowledge sharing within the team.


Experience

  • Degree (or equivalent) in Town & Country Planning, Environmental Planning, Environmental Science, or a related discipline.
  • Working towards or holding RTPI membership is desirable.
  • Competency in spatial interpretation and use of GIS software such as QGIS or ArcGIS.
  • Understanding of the UK planning system, especially Local Plan preparation and environmental assessments.
  • Strong research, analytical, and written communication skills.
  • Good organisational skills, with the ability to manage workload and meet deadlines under supervision.
  • Team player with a proactive attitude and eagerness to learn and contribute.


Performance Expectations

  • Deliver accurate, well-researched, and timely project support to enable successful Local Plan and environmental policy outcomes.
  • Demonstrate continuous improvement in professional skills and understanding of planning reforms and environmental best practice.
  • Foster positive relationships with clients, stakeholders, and internal teams.
  • Support a collaborative and inclusive work environment that encourages innovation and shared success.


Why Join Lepus Consulting?

  • Hybrid working options to support work-life balance.
  • Opportunity to work on projects that directly impact climate resilience, housing delivery, biodiversity, and sustainable development.
  • Join a friendly, supportive team passionate about making a difference.
  • Work with a consultancy that operates nationally and is at the forefront of planning reform.

Senior Consultant: Environmental Assessment and Planning


Senior Consultant: Environmental Assessment and Planning
(Specialising in HRA, EIA, Ecology, or Landscape)

Salary: £34,000 to £50,000 plus benefits
Location: UK-wide (Home-based, hybrid, or Cheltenham HQ)


About Us
Lepus Consulting is a specialist environmental planning consultancy helping public sector organisations plan for growth and nature recovery. We deliver statutory assessments including Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA), Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA), green infrastructure planning, and biodiversity advice to support local plans and planning policy across the UK.


The Role
We are looking for a Senior Consultant to lead the delivery of complex statutory environmental projects. You will act as a technical lead, manage client relationships, and help mentor the next generation of environmental professionals through our internal training programmes.

Key Responsibilities

Manage, prepare, and review high-quality statutory environmental assessments (HRA, EIA, or LVIA) and technical planning outputs.

  • Serve as the primary technical contact for local authority clients and statutory consultees (such as Natural England and the Environment Agency).
  • Ensure strict compliance with UK planning regulations and statutory standards.
  • Supervise, coach, and mentor junior consultants and graduates.
  • Support bid preparation, business development, and core project management (including oversight of timelines, budgets, and resourcing).


What We Are Looking For

  • Significant consultancy or local authority experience in spatial planning, environmental assessment, ecology, or landscape.
  • Proven, hands-on experience preparing or coordinating HRA, EIA, or LVIA for local plans or planning applications.
  • Strong working knowledge of UK planning legislation and environmental assessment regulations.
  • Excellent written communication, with the ability to produce legally robust and technically accurate reports.
  • Chartered status with a relevant body (e.g. MRTPI, MCIEEM, CMLI, CEnv, or MIEMA), or actively working towards it.
  • Specialist skills such as GIS (QGIS or ArcGIS) are highly desirable.


Why Join Lepus?
We offer a supportive, collaborative environment with a strong commitment to professional development. Whether working from our Cheltenham HQ or remotely across the UK, you will have the opportunity to shape high-profile local authority projects and drive the future direction of our technical services.


How to Apply
Please send your CV and a brief cover letter outlining your relevant statutory assessment experience to careers@lepusconsulting.com.




LET'S TALK

Lepus helps shape effective and appropriate environmental planning policy for our clients by delivering products that are meaningful, highly useful and sound. 

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