Assistant Biodiversity Officer

Cotswold District Council is seeking an Assistant Biodiversity Officer for a 2-year fixed term contract in Cirencester. The role involves providing ecological advice to enhance biodiversity in developments, collaborating with various stakeholders, and supporting biodiversity initiatives. Candidates should have a relevant degree and some experience in nature conservation. The position allows for agile working, combining home and office work, with a salary of £27,764 - £29,291 per annum.
Assistant Biodiversity Officer

£27,764 - £29,291 per annum 37 Hours per week

Fixed Term Contract 2 Years

Cirencester/Agile

Are you interested in a career in biodiversity and nature recovery?

An exceptional opportunity to join Cotswold District Council as an Assistant Biodiversity Officer. You will assist in providing high quality and robust ecological advice to enhance biodiversity in new developments, whilst assisting in delivering nature recovery, aligned to our climate change and sustainability priorities.

About the role…

As an Assistant Biodiversity Officer, you will be collaborating with landowners, developers, the voluntary sector and other partners to protect and enhance the unique natural environment of the Cotswolds.

This post could be a great start on a biodiversity career for a recent graduate with a biodiversity-related degree and enthusiasm for the subject. There will be opportunities to increase your skills and expertise.

The main areas of work will include:
• Assisting in the provision of biodiversity advice at all stages of the planning application process, working in partnership with Planning Officer colleagues, developers, planning agents, ecological consultants, environmental organisations and the local community.
• Encouraging high standards of biodiversity design in new development, including the protection and management of existing biodiversity, the creation of new habitats and green infrastructure and the delivery of biodiversity net gain.
• Assisting in supporting enforcement and prosecution work with regard to any illegal or unauthorised work that affect biodiversity.

You will need…
• Relevant undergraduate degree or equivalent or BTEC, HND,HNC,NVQ level 4/5
• GCSE Maths and English or equivalent to grade C/4 or higher
• Some experience of working in a paid or voluntary nature conservation related role
• Knowledge, understanding and experience of biodiversity and nature recovery, preferably including those relevant to the planning system, relevant legislation, designated sites, biodiversity net gain, protected species and biodiversity surveys and assessments
• Experience of working flexibly as part of a team, collaborating with colleagues and stakeholders and working independently

Special Conditions…
• Full UK Driving Licence and access to a vehicle.
• This post designated as politically restricted in accordance with the Local Government and Housing Act 1989. Politically restricted post holders are restricted from canvassing on behalf of a political party or for a person who is, or seeks to be, a candidate for election to a local authority, the House of Commons, or the European Parliament.

For more information about this role please see the Job Description/Person Specification.

What can we do for you…
• 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, which increases to 30 days after five years of service
• In addition you will have an extra two volunteering days a year for you to support a charity of your choice
• Renewed again for another year there is a Health cash plan giving you cash back on health, dental and eye care
• Generous contributory local government pension scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme 24/7, providing positive, preventative and supportive advice and counselling to deal with everyday events and issues
• Cycle to work scheme
• Salary sacrifice car lease scheme with significant tax and NI savings to be made on electric cars
• Generous sickness cover above statutory entitlements

Terms and conditions apply

These are just a handful of the benefits that you can enjoy when you join us!

To apply for this position please click on "apply now" within this page to complete an application form and supporting statement together with your CV. 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 Cotswold District Council. Your CV will not be available to the hiring manager unless you are shortlisted for interview to assist with our non-biased screening process so please ensure you complete the application form in full.

It is important that our staff reflect the diversity of our community, and we therefore welcome and encourage applications from people of all genders and sexual orientation, those from Black, Asian, and other minority ethnic backgrounds, and those with disabilities.

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

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.