Ecologist/Biodiversity Officer

Oxfordshire County Council is seeking an Ecologist/Biodiversity Officer to support ecological outcomes related to school and council building developments, highways, and land management. The role requires experience in advising on biodiversity protection and enhancement, along with knowledge of UK wildlife legislation. The position offers a salary of £33,366 - £36,124 and various benefits, with interviews conducted face-to-face at the County Hall office in Oxford.
About Us

Our Ecology and Biodiversity team are dedicated to safeguarding Oxfordshire's most vulnerable species. Our mission is to protect and preserve the county's rich biodiversity through innovative research, conservation efforts, and community engagement.

We believe that every species plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of our local ecosystems, and it is our responsibility to ensure their survival for future generations.

Our Ecology and Biodiversity teams work tirelessly to monitor and protect endangered species such as bats, badgers, and great crested newts. We restore habitats, advocate for sustainable practices, and collaborate with local communities, governments, and international partners to create impactful solutions that address the challenges facing Oxfordshire's natural world.

Join us in our commitment to making a difference. Together, we can create a future where protected species thrive and biodiversity flourishes in Oxfordshire.

About the Rol

eThe Biodiversity Officer will play a key role in delivery of positive ecological outcomes through supporting teams working on development of schools and other Council buildings, highways maintenance and improvement, and land management through training and awareness-raising as well as on-the-ground support. There will be opportunities to be involved in a variety of related work as we adopt and implement our emerging Biodiversity Action Framework and Local Nature Recovery Strategy

.

About yo

uWe are looking for someone with experience of providing advice to engineers and land managers in relation to protection and enhancement of biodiversity, As such, we would expect the successful candidate to have knowledge in relation to protection and enhancement of UK habitats and species, and experience of the practical application of UK wildlife legislation. Good communication and problem-solving skills will be essential in this role

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Rewards and benefit

sIn addition to your salary of £33366 - £36124 there are a host of other benefits including
• ;Culture of flexible and agile working
• ,Cycle to Work scheme
• ,Technology to support agile working, where role permits
• ,30 days’ holiday p.a. plus bank holidays (Increasing to 31 days after 10 years’ service)
• ,Offer access to a Relocation Scheme, depending on circumstances and conditions, should you need to consider moving closer to or into the County from where you currently live. Further details are available on request
• ,Option to ‘buy’ additional holiday
• ,Employee Assistance Programme including access to health and wellbeing support
• ,Membership of the Local Government contributory pension scheme, with an employer’s contribution of up to 19.9%
• ,Enhanced family friendly policies
• ,Local and national discounts for shopping and travel
• ,Learning and development opportunities to support your ongoing developmen

tFor more information please contact Beccy Micklem - Landscape and Nature Recovery Team Leaver Beccy.micklem@oxfordshire.gov.uk or Dave Keeley - Operational Manager Environment and Heritage Dave.keeley@oxfordshire.gov.u

k
We are planning to hold interviews for this position W/C 16th June. This will be face to face at our County Hall office in Oxford. If you have any questions or queries about the interview process, or if we can make this easier for you, please do reach ou

t.
Our commitment

to: Equality, Diversity and Inclus

ionAt Oxfordshire County Council we are proud of our diverse workforce. Everyone is accepted for who they are, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, race, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, or on maternity or family leave. We have a number of staff network groups which provide peer support, education and safe spaces for a

ll.
Our commitment

to:Guaranteed Interview Sch

emesAs a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job. We also guarantee interviews to care leavers who have completed further education and who meet the essential criteria for the job. For those leaving care without any further education, we guarantee an interview for our apprenticeships. We are also committed to helping and supporting those transitioning from HM Armed Forces to civilian life and guarantee an interview for those demonstrating the essential criteria for the role, within three years of leaving the serv

ice.
Our commitmen

t to:Safegua

rdingOxfordshire County Council are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect these commitm

ents.
Our commitme

nt to:Flexible W

orkingWe are open to discussions about flexible working, which can include flexi-time, part time working, job sharing, nine-day fortnights and annualised hours, depending on the requirements of the role and the se

rvice.