BIODIVERSITY AND ECOLOGY LEAD OFFICER

NS13 - £40,478 - £42,503, per annum, pay award pending

37 Hours per week, permanent

Do you have a passion for biodiversity project and initiatives?

The Biodiversity and Ecology Lead Officer will offer a wide variety of opportunities including being responsible for advising on biodiversity net gain and supporting the development and implementation of biodiversity projects across the District. 

You will advise on the ecological implications of development, strategic planning and other proposals; ensuring the planning authority meets wildlife legislation, policy requirements, duties and effectively protects, manages and enhances the biodiversity of Newark and Sherwood.

Working across the Council, the postholder will lead the development of a strategic approach to and operational engagement with biodiversity and the enhancement of nature, within the context of the Council’s statutory role as planning authority and where appropriate as a landowner and scheme developer. 

The successful candidate will have initiative, be highly motivated, enthusiastic, organised and objective.  The post offers an ability to engage with and learn from a 30 plus strong professional team - this includes Development Management, Enforcement,Conservation and Planning Policy colleagues.

You will be educated to degree level in a relevant environmental discipline or equivalent experience in a relevant specialist discipline. Some evening/weekend working will be required.

Newark and Sherwood District Council is a dynamic, progressive planning authority, with the first Core Strategy and Allocations DPDs in Nottinghamshire and a programme to deliver growth in the context of a fantastic historic and natural environment.  We deal with schemes ranging from large urban extensions, employment and retail developments, schemes for gypsy and traveller provision and protecting the area’s important heritage.

Geographically the District is the largest in Nottinghamshire, with a diverse range of habitats including nationally and  international important protected sites. The Major Oak, where legend says Robin Hood and his band of Merry Man lived, sits at the heart of Sherwood Forest and Nottinghamshire’s only Special Area of Conservation. The District will play a significant role in nature recovery and offers significant opportunities for biodiversity enhancement.

For an informal discussion about this post please contact Lisa Hughes or Matthew Norton via 01636 650000.

We offer a competitive salary, enrolment in the local government pension scheme, flexible hours, hybrid working, a generous annual leave entitlement that increases with service, a whole host of family-friendly benefits, 1 days’ paid volunteering leave, free staff car parking* and £10 gym membership at one of our four gyms in the district. You will be working with a professional, committed and experienced team who are passionate about supporting us to deliver the objectives as outlined in our Community Plan.

*Free staff parking is valid until 31^st July 2024.

As an employer we will promote an inclusive working environment to maintain and develop a forward thinking and diverse workforce.

Veterans/family of forces/ex-forces, those in care/care leavers, and candidates who declare a disability (as defined under the Equality Act 2010) will be guaranteed an interview provided they have demonstrated that they meet the essential criteria of the post as detailed in the Person Specification on their application form. 

Closing date:  Midnight on Sunday 16^th April 2023

Interviews: 2^nd and 3^rd May 2023