Principal Ecology Officer

The role

Does being at the leading edge within Oxford, the City of dreaming spires, with its beautiful
architecture, history and culture sound exciting? You will be the lead Ecologist for Oxford
City Council, working in the Environmental Quality team, part of Environmental Sustainability.

Your primary responsibility will be to review and provide advice on ecological work undertaken
in support of planning applications and consented developments within the city boundaries.

A key element of this work will be ensuring planning applications comply with legislative
biodiversity net gain requirements and providing advice internally on how to effectively secure
and monitor biodiversity gains delivered through development.

You will be responsible for coaching and contributing to the professional development of an
Ecology Officer within the team, as well as providing oversight of their work.

You will also lead the production of a Biodiversity Strategy for Oxford, with a view to helping
to protect and enhance the city’s fauna, flora, and ecological networks. This Strategy will
play an important role in meeting the Council’s enhanced biodiversity duty under the Natural
Environment and Rural Communities (NERC) Act 2006.

About us

Our ambitious leadership team and dedicated staff are working hard building a world class city
for everyone. Oxford City Council has accelerated plans to build more affordable and council
housing in the city. We provide services to help reduce inequality and improve the health and
wellbeing of Oxford’s residents and are taking a lead on reducing emissions and increasing
biodiversity to become a net carbon neutral city of the future.

We are a supportive and collaborative bunch of people working towards shared goals, where new
ideas and initiatives are valued. We strive to deliver service excellence, take accountability
for our actions and communicate with honestly and respect. There has never been a more exciting
time to join us! Help us to build successful places in which to live and work and build a
fairer, greener city in which everyone can thrive.

Many of our roles offer flexible or hybrid working. We offer generous holiday 28 days a year
with an additional 4 days after 5 years’ service. We are committed to supporting career
development opportunities and learning and development. We provide an above average pension
offering, plus other great benefits 

How to apply

More information is available on the role profile document. Please read this document to ensure
that you meet our requirements.

More information about working for the Council, our values and vision, is available on our web
site.

Applications should be made via our online application system (no CVs please).

For further information and how to apply online, please visit www.oxford.gov.uk

If you are unable to access our website please call 01865 252848.

Note: For roles that require a DBS Certificate (Enhanced and or Barred List
check), candidates are required to supply their complete work history. If you are making an
application using a CV please ensure you explain any gaps in your work history.

For hybrid roles the successful applicant will be expected to work from home. You should ensure
that you have reliable and secure wifi access; a suitable workspace and are prepared to
undertake distance learning and training.

Closing Date: 13 February 2024

Late applications will not be processed

Interview Date(s): 22 February 2024 and/or 23 February 2024

For an informal discussion about the post please contact Tristan Carlyle at
[email protected].

We are an equal opportunity employer:
We are striving to become a more inclusive employer and to represent the communities
that we support. We have policies in place to ensure that every applicant and employee can flourish
and succeed. Currently we are underrepresented in some areas, and would particularly welcome
applicants from ethnic and minority communities. All applicants will be given fair consideration
for work and will not receive less favorable treatment on the grounds of any protected
characteristic.