Ecology and Biodiversity Net Gain Officers

Do you want to develop your career in Ecology in one of the most beautiful counties in Britain, boasting a wealth of wildlife? If so, then Buckinghamshire Council has an exciting opportunity for a number of Ecology Officers and Biodiversity Net Gain Officers to join our busy Ecology Team within the Planning and Environment department.

We have a mix of full and part-time positions available.

About us

Buckinghamshire is a beautiful place to live and work. By joining our team you will be helping to preserve our special natural environment for future generations. We pride ourselves on our great working ethos, our professionalism, our adaptability and our flexible working.

The Ecology Team is a busy, professional and friendly team made up of qualified Ecology Officers. Together we work to protect, promote and manage the unique natural environment of Buckinghamshire. The Ecology Team is part of the Council’s wider Environment and Climate Change team, within the Planning and Environment directorate. The Ecologists work alongside other specialist teams, including heritage, archaeology, urban design and landscape, arboriculture and the Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes Environmental Record Centre (BMERC).

This is an exciting time to join Buckinghamshire Council. The county is currently experiencing a huge amount of growth and an increase in planning-related casework. Working with us will give you the chance to work on a range of large and small-scale developments, as well as some of our existing projects. We are also launching our Biodiversity Accounting scheme, ahead of the enactment of the Environment Bill. Partnership work is key to the success of this project and successful applicants will work with some of the key environmental stakeholders in the region, especially the Bucks and Milton Keynes Natural Environment Partnership. Come and join our fantastic, expanding team while developing your professional career at the same time.

About the role

As a member of the Ecology Team, you will provide ecological advice relating to the management, protection and enhancement of important habitats and species within the County. We are also developing our new Biodiversity Accounting scheme at Buckinghamshire Council and therefore we need Biodiversity Net Gain Officers to deliver the scheme, working with our Ecologists, landowners and developers.

The attached Job Summaries provide more detail about the specific posts. We are looking to fill the following positions and can be flexible regarding full and part-time working.

• Ecology Officer (permanent, full time)
• 1 x Biodiversity Net Gain Officers (permanent, full time)
• 2 x Biodiversity Net Gain Officers (permanent, part-time 0.5 FTE)

You will provide authoritative ecological advice, guidance and support to colleagues, customers and stakeholders. You will respond to planning consultations from the planning teams and you may need to represent the authority at planning appeals. You will also have a strategic role in helping in the development of our Buckinghamshire Local Plan and advising on Neighbourhood Plans, green infrastructure, biodiversity accounting, and other County-wide policies.

You will report to the Ecology Team Leader, provide expert advice on the impact of major and minor development projects, and recommend appropriate mitigation and compensation measures. You will work on projects in partnership with other biodiversity groups and have the opportunity to engage with outreach activities led by other members of the wider Environment Teams.

We recognise that training is an essential part of any technical role and pride ourselves on offering excellent training opportunities and Continuing Professional Development.

About you

The successful candidate will have demonstrable experience of ecological planning advice or consultancy.

• Working with biodiversity net gain calculations.
• Demonstrable knowledge of the terrestrial ecology, habitats and species of lowland England.
• Knowledge of legislation and policy and guidance relating to habitats and species.
• You will be qualified to degree level in natural or Environmental Science or equivalent.
• Good Project Management experience and the ability to implement change are desirable.

Please see the job summaries on our website for more information

Other information

We currently have other ecology positions available – see the separate advert (Senior Ecology Officer | Buckinghamshire Council Jobs).

Closing date 14th November 2021. Interviews will be conducted w/c 22nd November. These may be in person or via MS Teams.

Please contact Eliza Alqassar if you have any questions: eliza.alqassar@buckinghamshire.gov.uk or on 01296 383798.

We recognise and reward you

Hard work and success deserve recognition. That’s why we pride ourselves on the benefits we give our people. We actively encourage a good work-life balance and promote flexible and agile working arrangements. We provide discounts on various Caf? restaurants, shops and auto-enrolment onto our generous Pension Scheme. We also offer a salary sacrifice personal car lease scheme and the opportunity to gain membership to Costco. We have discounted gym memberships, Travel discounts with Arriva and Chiltern Railways and much more.

Applications Here.