Assistant Biodiversity Officer

An exceptional opportunity to join West Oxfordshire District Council as an Assistant Biodiversity Officer. You will supervise on providing high quality and robust ecological advice in order to enhance biodiversity in new developments, whilst assisting in delivering nature recovery, aligned to our climate change and sustainability priorities, across the area.

This permanent role offers the flexibility of working within the offices at Witney and agile working, allowing you that extra freedom and work life balance.

Our environmental service is fundamental to the success of the council’s ambition for the future and we are passionate about safeguarding and restoring biodiversity in the area. Our focus is to enable our communities in the West Oxfordshire area to thrive, create great places for people to live, work, learn and enjoy. We want our future generations to thrive too and are serious in tackling the climate and nature emergencies. Now is a fantastic time to be joining us. We are looking to deliver upon our council priorities and shape our environment for the benefit of the local area and beyond.

We are looking for a passionate Assistant Biodiversity Officer to join our team to ensure the Council is ready for its duties under the Environment Act 2021 in relation to biodiversity net gain. You will assist on providing high quality and robust ecological advice surrounding Biodiversity Net Gain and Habitats Regulations, in relation to Development Management issues (including enforcement and appeals). 

You will work with a variety of different stakeholders, including planning officer colleagues, developers, planning agents, ecological consultants, environmental organisations and the local community to protect and enhance biodiversity in new developments and elsewhere and to deliver nature recovery across the area, through an innovative and practical solutions based approach.

You will ensure that planning applications not only safeguard biodiversity but also maximise opportunities for net gain and nature recovery. You will also have the opportunity to grow in the role, to take a strategic view by helping shape future planning policy on biodiversity, green infrastructure and natural capital.

Ultimately, we are looking for someone, who wants to grow within their role long term and would suit someone who has recently graduated or has related ecology experience. We want to give you the tools to support you, harness your potential and provide more responsibility within your role long term.

• Qualifications to Postgraduate level or equivalent in a relevant subject

• Knowledge and understanding of biodiversity conservation and enhancement, including legislation, designated sites, and biodiversity survey and assessment

• Experience and/or understanding of implementing nature strategies and projects in partnership with a wide range of stakeholders 

• Enthusiasm for and an interest in biodiversity conservation and enhancement

• Effective communication skills with a wide range of customers and others (excellent verbal and written skills)

• Agile working allowing a mix of home and office working

• Flexible working arrangements (depending on the role)

• 27 days paid annual leave (pro rata if you are working part time) plus bank holidays and an extra two volunteering days off a year for you to support a charity of your choice

• Health cash plan giving you cash back on health, dental and eye care

• Pension scheme with a good employer contribution of 5% of your earnings

• Employee Assistance Programme 24/7, providing positive, preventative and supportive advice and counselling to deal with everyday events and issues

• Access to digital financial advice (covering your pension scheme, mortgages and other finances)

• Generous sickness cover above statutory entitlements

• Additional income protection, covering 50% of your salary for potentially a further five years if you are unable to work due to sickness or injury

To apply for this position please click on "apply now" within this page and submit your CV and supporting statement. Please tell us about your skills, knowledge, qualifications, experience and how they meet the criteria listed above and in the job description/person specification. It’s important that we’re a good fit for each other, so let us know what’s important to you and why you want to work for Publica Group Ltd. Your application will not be considered if you have not provided a supporting statement, in addition to your CV.

Accredited of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy/ies - Please state this within your covering statement or in a separate email.

Our organisation is committed to safeguarding the welfare of vulnerable adults, young people and children.  Safer recruitment practices are applied to all job vacancies. Successful candidates will be required to complete a pre-employment medical questionnaire; provide references;  proof of identity; nationality and immigration status; three years’ employment or education history (if applicable) and, in some cases, verification of criminal record.