Biodiversity Planning Officer – South

We’re looking for a Biodiversity Planning Officer with the skills and determination
to ensure new developments fully address the needs of wildlife and provide net gain for
biodiversity.

You’ll join a small team of dedicated ecologists providing advice to Local Planning Authorities
in Derbyshire, with this role leading on advice for planning authorities in the south of the
county.

Our work covers a broad spectrum of ecological issues relating to individual developments and
policy proposals. In this exciting role you will critically review applications and ensure that
all matters relating to wildlife comply with legislation, guidance and best practice. You will
advise on protected species, biodiversity net gain and habitat creation, enhancement and land
management matters. You’ll work on a diverse range of applications ranging from large housing
developments to barn conversions and minerals applications.

The role will drive forward the Trust’s vision to see 33% of Derbyshire managed for wildlife by
helping to build a nature recovery network across Derbyshire Dales, South Derbyshire, Derby
City, Erewash and Amber Valley. 

To be successful you’ll need to be highly focused, persistent, and patient, capable of handling
a diverse workload, up to date with wildlife and planning legislation, survey guidelines and
policy. You will be a critical thinker with an eye for detail and able to spot opportunities as
well as problems. You will need to be prepared to back your decisions and advice up with clear
evidence and data. You will act as an effective advocate and adviser in communications with
planning officers, developers and members of the public. The role will be supported by
experienced colleagues and there will be a strong focus on maintaining and developing your
knowledge, skills and expertise.

What we can offer you: 

• Flexible working options, we have adopted a 9-day working fortnight meaning all full time
  staff get a non-working Friday every fortnight 
• 33 days annual leave including bank holidays, we also have a festive shutdown so all staff
  get the days between Christmas and New Year off in addition to their leave entitlement 
• Climate Perks (extra leave granted for staff using more green, sustainable transport) 
• 9.5% employer pension contribution 
• Electric bike and car salary-sacrifice schemes available 
• Employee Assistance Programme 
• Life Assurance Scheme 
• Personalised Development programme designed to enhance your knowledge and progress your
  career 
• A multi-disciplinary business, with opportunities to work on a wide range of projects,
  developing your experience and skills 
• A close-knit, friendly and supportive team, with a relaxed office atmosphere 

About you

This role might be right for you if:

• You thrive in a role where you can make a real difference for wildlife through the planning
  system and the opportunities that Biodiversity Net Gain can provide
• You have experience of protected species and habitat surveys
• You have worked on Biodiversity Net Gain assessments and understand planning policy and
  process
• You are interested in and knowledgeable about wildlife legislation
• You have a good all-round knowledge of ecology and wildlife
• You have excellent written and verbal communication skills

We are happy to talk flexible working!

This role will be based at our office in Middleton although a balance of home and office
working will be allowed. We are a local charity so applicants should be easily able to access
our office and other locations around the county.

Interviews are planned for 27th February

For more information please refer to the job description and key terms on our website. If you have
any questions about the role which are not answered in the attached documents, or require
adjustments to the application process, please either email [email protected] or call 01773
881188.