Biodiversity Net Gain Officer

Job Title: Biodiversity Net Gain Officer
Salary: £28,522 - £30,289 per annum 
35 Hours per Week
Location: County Hall, Worcester
Permanent, Full-time 

The Role: 

Worcestershire County Council (WCC) is recruiting a Biodiversity Net Gain Officer to increase the capacity of our Ecology and Environmental Policy Team to meet new responsibilities under the Environment Act 2021. As Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) gathers pace, becoming mandatory for most developments from November this year, we need additional capacity to implement monitoring, management and reporting systems, advise and train WCC colleagues, and prepare local policy and guidance.

BNG offers an exciting, improved opportunity to achieve ecological betterment via development, and WCC’s BNG officer’s work will lead to real, long-term environmental gains. Alongside desk-based work on BNG policy, advice and administration, there will be opportunities to undertake field surveys for land potentially being used for off-setting, and ultimately to monitor sites that have received off-set biodiversity units. Within the wider Ecology and Environmental Policy Team we also undertake a wide range of environmental projects and ecological surveys (e.g. preliminary assessments, bats, badgers, amphibians, reptiles, roadside verge nature reserves) and the BNG Officer will be able to support on these, where time and interest permit. We’re a small and friendly team with a good range of specialist interests; we’re looking forward to welcoming new ecologists and further widening our nature conservation work.

For more information, please see the attached job description and person specification, or contact us at ecology@worcestershire.gov.uk.

Benefits:

You’ll find an overview of some of the benefits in a document attached to this job advert so do take a look! Some of the other benefits we can offer include:

• Great Holiday Entitlement: As well as bank holidays, you'll get 26 days paid holiday (pro rata for part-time staff). This goes up to 31 days when you have been with us for 5 years. If you get more than 26 days where you work now, don't worry because if you join us without a break, we'll match your holiday up to 31 days. If you’re successful and want to take advantage of this do let us know!
• Brilliant Pension Scheme: The Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) is a nationwide, career average pension scheme and is a valuable part of the pay and reward package for employees working in local government.
• Professional Learning & Development: We actively encourage learning and development for all our staff should they want to progress further or explore other areas within the organisation.
• Flexible Working: We are proud to offer hybrid working to provide a better work/life balance where possible.

How to Apply:

Application Forms are invited to apply for this role. 

Please write your submission with consideration for the essential and desirable criteria on the Person Specification attached. This should include examples why you should be considered; the experience, skills and knowledge that you would bring to the post.

Please submit your Application Form to CLevine@worcestershire.gov.uk. 

Please note, the Recruiting Manager is happy for Application Forms to be accompanied with CV and Cover Letter however, CV and Cover Letter only will not be accepted. 

Application Closing Date: Monday, 03rd July 2023
Anticipated Interview Date: Monday, 31st July 2023