Wildlife Licensing Lead Advisers

If you’ve ecology or protected species experience, this is a chance to ensure our licensing delivers ecologically sound and pragmatic solutions. At Natural England, you can make a clear difference for both wildlife and humans, for example by managing district level licensing for the Great Crested Newts.

It’s our responsibility to independently advise the UK Government on the natural environment. We’re here to make sure people and nature can thrive. From advising farmers on sustainable land management, to gathering and analysing environmental data, and promoting health and wellbeing through the great outdoors, we love what we do. Join us and you’ll be part of an inclusive, motivated and ambitious team, committed to achieving results for our environment, for everyone.

As a Wildlife Licensing Lead Adviser, you’ll handle individual and Class protected species licence applications – including Species Management, European Protected Species, Science and Conservation Licences. As well as overseeing initial registration and technical assessment through to compliance, we may also ask you to support NGOs, consultant ecologists, developers and other customers as part of our chargeable discretionary advice service. 

Ideally, you’ll be a member of a professional body. However, beyond a zoology or environmental science degree (or equivalent); you may have knowledge of wildlife management techniques, wildlife legislation such as the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 or a background in protected species. Essentially, it’s your relevant experience that will mark you out.

There’s a rich variety of field work, so it’s important that you enjoy walking outdoors, and hold (or are working towards) a full driving licence. Since some applications involve lethal control, you’ll also need an objective mindset when it comes to protecting every element of our natural environment.

We welcome and encourage applications from all communities and, wherever possible, we accommodate requests for both full and part-time hours and other flexible working patterns. Everyone at Natural England is supported to develop their skills and capabilities. You can also look forward to great benefits including a Civil Service pension.

If you’re inspired to protect and enhance England’s wildlife, and want to work for a leading science-led organisation.

Closing date: 11.55pm, Monday 20 June 2022.