Senior Biodiversity Officer

Job Number: HCAA02022

DBS Required: No

Salary: £49,071 - £51,099

Hackney Council is looking for a Senior Biodiversity officer to work alongside a multidisciplinary team of professionals in the Conservation, Urban Design and Sustainability Team to assist in the delivery of the Council’s Biodiversity ambitions within Planning and to help to address the Climate Emergency in Hackney.

Hackney has a dense and complex built environment and is fortunate to be one of the greenest inner-city boroughs with more than 40% of its land classified as green cover made up of parks, open spaces, gardens, and other green areas. Through our Local Plan, Climate Action Plan, Green Infrastructure Strategy and Nature Recovery Plan, we are committed to fighting the impending climate and biodiversity crisis, protecting, and enhancing green infrastructure and promoting sustainable development for the benefit of Hackney’s communities.

We are, therefore, looking for someone with ambition, creativity, and commitment to ensure that new development in the borough is designed to meet the highest standards in relation to biodiversity and green infrastructure. As Senior Biodiversity Officer you will promote best practice that embeds Ecology and Biodiversity in the planning process. You will participate in guidance and policy making and negotiate positive design changes as part of the development management process relating to Biodiversity. In particular, you will lead on providing high quality and robust ecological advice, in relation to Biodiversity Net Gain and Habitats Regulations to planning colleagues as well as applicants. The role will also include opportunities for collaboration with other parts of the Council as well as partner organisations to help maximise the delivery of green infrastructure in the Borough.

The successful candidate must have an analytical approach to working, excellent organisational skills and exceptional written and oral communication skills. You will have a degree in a relevant subject area or equivalent qualification. Experience of working in the UK built environment with a focus on Biodiversity Net Gain delivery would be desirable but not essential.

There is no better place to work in London than Hackney; we have great pride in our borough, our communities, and our services. Hackney is one of London’s most vibrant and diverse boroughs. It’s one of the most sought-after areas to live in London with good schools, parks, and local amenities, as well as great transport links and vibrant and diverse communities.

If you want to work in a place where you can represent our values, so we achieve the best for our residents, please click on the apply button below.

The recruitment process is anonymous. Therefore, we do not accept supporting statements or CVs.

When applying, there will be a number of questions relating to the post on the application form. It is essential that you complete the application questions, responding to each using examples of your skills, knowledge, and experience.

We will not accept applications where Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been used to assist with completing the competency questions or any part of the application form.

This application process replaces a supporting statement.

Closing date for applications: 18 August 2024 (22:59).

Interview date: TBC

We are also working towards our vision, which is to be a place for everyone; where residents and staff can be proud; a place that celebrates diversity and where everyone can feel valued, included, and involved. In order to achieve this, we look for people who are: Proud; Ambitious; Pioneering; Open; Proactive; Inclusive.

Hackney Council works to eradicate discrimination on the basis of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation. We also recognise that people can be disadvantaged by their social and economic circumstances, so we will also work to eliminate discrimination and disadvantage caused by social class. We also welcome those interested in flexible working. We particularly welcome applications from disabled people, as this group is currently underrepresented in our workforce.

The Council has a dedicated employment support service (Hackney Works), which offers Hackney residents guidance in relation to applying for jobs. If you are thinking about applying for a job, please contact the Hackney Works team to find out what support is available: hackneyworks@hackney.gov.uk