Local Nature Recovery Strategy Officer

Are you passionate about nature recovery and landscape-scale environmental change? Do you thrive in collaborative, multi-disciplinary settings and want to help shape a greener future for Derbyshire?

Derbyshire County Council is excited to recruit a Local Nature Recovery Strategy Officer to lead the delivery phase of our Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS). This is a unique opportunity to coordinate a high-profile, nationally significant initiative that will guide nature recovery across the county, embedding biodiversity into decision-making and unlocking investment in our natural capital.

About the Role

You’ll be at the heart of Derbyshire’s nature recovery efforts, working with a wide range of partners—from landowners and local authorities to conservation organisations and community groups – to help translate the Strategy into action. Your role will be to:

• Convene and support a cross-sector delivery partnership
• Help embed LNRS priorities into local plans and policies
• Facilitate work with partners to develop strategic nature recovery projects
• Monitor and report on delivery progress to Defra and stakeholders
• Lead communications and engagement to raise awareness and promote action

This is a dynamic and outward-facing role, requiring excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills in order to able to facilitate, work with, encourage and support partners and others to deliver the LNRS. The role will also require project management, teamwork, and strategic thinking in order to be successful.

About You

We’re looking for someone with:

• Experience in environmental, biodiversity or land management sectors
• Strong communication and partnership-building skills
• A working understanding of nature conservation and environmental policy
• The ability to manage complex workloads and deliver results

Knowledge of Derbyshire’s landscapes, habitats and stakeholders is desirable, as is experience with GIS and data reporting.

Support & Benefits:

• Generous Annual Leave Scheme (27 days increasing to 32 days after 5 years’ service): Ensuring a healthy work-life balance.
• Flexi Time Scheme: Up to two days flexi leave every four weeks (pro rata for part-time employees), subject to service needs.
• Local Government Pension Scheme: Providing financial security.
• Wellbeing Support Framework: Includes OH physician services, physiotherapy, CBT, and in-house counselling.
• Employee Wellbeing Support: Fast track physiotherapy, confidential psychological support services, Employee Assistance Programme, and “Wisdom” app.
• Training and Development: Opportunities for professional qualifications and ongoing training.
• Cycle to Work Scheme: Promoting a healthy lifestyle.
• Electric/Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle Salary Sacrifice Scheme: Encouraging environmentally friendly commuting options.
• Our Derbyshire Rewards: a package of benefits and discounts.
• & much more

About Us

You’ll be joining the Conservation, Heritage and Design Service, a passionate and expert team dedicated to protecting and enhancing Derbyshire’s built and natural environment. From historic buildings and archaeology to biodiversity, arboricultural management and landscape design, we work across disciplines to deliver sustainable outcomes for people and nature.

Derbyshire County Council is a forward-thinking employer, committed to environmental sustainability, equality, and high-quality public service. We offer flexible working arrangements, generous leave, and a supportive culture that values innovation and collaboration.

Why Derbyshire?

From the rugged beauty of the Peak District to the rolling farmland and vibrant market towns, Derbyshire is a county rich in natural and cultural heritage. It’s a place where nature recovery can make a real difference—and where your work will leave a lasting legacy.

Ready to apply?
Visit jobs.derbyshire.gov.uk and search for “Local Nature Recovery Strategy Officer” to submit your application.

For an informal chat about the role, contact Tom French, Nature-Based Solutions Principal Advisor, Heritage and Design: Tom.French@derbyshire.gov.uk

Provisional Interview Date: 16th January 2025

Apply now and take the first step towards a fulfilling career with us! By joining Derbyshire County Council you will have access to a range of amazing rewards and employee benefits, including our generous annual leave scheme, excellent local government pension and fantastic employee discounts. To discover more detail about the rewards and benefits available to you, click here

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This role currently offers hybrid working options which will be to subject service needs, there'll be an opportunity to discuss working arrangements for this position at interview.

Important: Derbyshire County Council holds a sponsorship licence, but this role does not offer visa sponsorship. Please apply only if you already have the right to work in the UK without sponsorship, as applications that do not meet this requirement will be rejected.

We welcome applications from individuals who share our values — being Collaborative, Innovative, Empowered and Accountable. These values describe who we are and what we stand for as a council. They help shape our culture, encourage consistent behaviour and guide how we work together to make a positive difference for both our employees and the residents we serve.