Environmental Assessment Officer (Grade 9/10) / Senior Environmental Assessment Officer (Grade 11)

Permanent - Full time

£25,481 - £37,890

Dorchester, Dorset, with potential for significant home working

Protect it. Shape it. Enjoy it. Be part of Dorset.

Dorset is a beautiful and iconic area, with historic market towns and miles of stunning coast. But it’s also a place of growth and innovation, with a population of 375,000 and an economy worth over £7 billion. To serve this unique area, a new unitary council was established in 2019. Bold and ambitious, with a One Team approach, we’re taking Dorset into the future – and our Planning team is taking centre stage.

Our Strategic Planning team is preparing a new Local Plan for the whole of Dorset. In such an environmentally rich and sensitive area, it is vital to ensure that environmental and sustainability matters are fully considered in the plan-making process, and the Environmental Assessment Officers work alongside the planning officers to make sure that this happens.

What you will be doing

You'll be working within a friendly and supportive team, part of the Spatial Planning Service that includes colleagues from a range of professional disciplines. You'll be one of two Environmental Assessment Officers, tasked with preparing the Sustainability Appraisal and Strategic Environmental Assessment for the plan, as well as providing a wide range of environmental advice on Habitats Regulations matters, mitigation, and Environmental Impact Assessment requirements on planning applications. You'll also work with the council's Natural Environment Team on these issues.

Dorset has an outstanding natural environment with a significant number of internationally important nature conservation sites. Challenges we face include mitigation against the effects of recreational pressure, nitrates and phosphates on these areas.

About you

You'll have a degree and/or postgraduate diploma in planning, environmental science, ecology or similar relevant specialist subject, with a good understanding of environmental science and the legislation surrounding planning, the Habitats Regulations and environmental impact assessments. You'll preferably have some post-qualification experience in a planning or specialist environmental role, and this is essential for appointment at the higher levels of the career grade.

You'll be able to communicate clearly through the preparation of complex reports and presentation of information to a range of audiences. You'll have the ability to follow legislation and guidance and advise on the implications. And you'll be someone who is comfortable working within a team, and capable of managing your workload to meet challenging deadlines.

A driving licence is necessary as site visits and meetings are required at times as part of the work.

For further information, please email Hilary Jordan, Service Manager for Spatial Planning at hilary.jordan@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk or phone 01305 252303.

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