Senior Specialist – Climate and Built Environment

About Us

Oxfordshire County Council is a forward-thinking local authority dedicated to making a positive
impact on the lives of its residents. Our county is a rich tapestry of diverse communities,
from thriving market towns and picturesque rural villages to urban centres of learning,
innovation, and business. We are committed to enhancing partnership working across councils to
empower a vibrant democracy across Oxfordshire.

We are deeply committed to environmental sustainability and are the highest scoring county
council in the Climate Emergency UK Scorecards. By joining our team, you will be part of a
passionate group of individuals who are making a tangible difference in creating a greener,
more sustainable future for Oxfordshire and beyond.

About the Role

This new role will play a pivotal role in engaging national and local government authorities,
key stakeholders and partner organisations to help deliver the council’s climate objectives
through planning. You will shape planning applications and policy to support the delivery of
net-zero development and respond to planning consultations. You will have the opportunity
to collaborate with national and regional officer groups, including the OxCam Pan Regional
Partnership, to benefit from and share best practices on climate policy.

You need drive and ambition, coupled with a good understanding of the planning system or the
ability to navigate it, to help embed innovative climate change policy, and work closely with
district planning authorities and developers to secure exemplar net-zero developments.

About you

We are seeking a highly-motivated, enthusiastic person with a deep understanding of
environmental sustainability, experience of navigating the planning system and a passion for
driving positive change. Your ability to engage with stakeholders at all levels, from local
communities to senior leaders, will be key to your success. We are looking for someone who is
proactive, innovative, and committed to making a difference. 

The successful candidate will have strong project management skills, excellent stakeholder
engagement and partnership working abilities, and a forward-thinking mindset.

Join us in shaping a sustainable and resilient Oxfordshire. Apply now to make a difference!

For an informal discussion about the role please contact Ariane Crampton on
[email protected]

We encourage early application as we will be holding multiple interview dates before the
closing date.

Rewards and benefits

• Culture of flexible working – hours can be worked flexibly across the week and the right
  candidate would only be required to work from County Hall in Oxford twice a month.
• Technology to support agile working where role permits
• 30 day’s holiday p.a. pro rata, plus bank holidays.
• Option to ‘buy’ additional holiday
• Employee Assistance Programme including access to health and wellbeing support
• Membership of the Local Government contributory pension scheme, with an employer’s
  contribution of up to 19.9%
• Enhanced family friendly policies
• Local and national discounts for shopping and travel
• Great learning and development opportunities to support your ongoing development.

Our commitment to:

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

At Oxfordshire County Council we are proud of our diverse workforce. Everyone is accepted for
who they are, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, race, faith or
belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, or on maternity or family leave. We have
a number of staff network groups which provide peer support, education and safe spaces for all.

Our commitment to:

Guaranteed Interview Schemes

As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet
the essential criteria for the job. We also guarantee interviews to care leavers who have
completed further education and who meet the essential criteria for the job. For those leaving
care without any further education, we guarantee an interview for our apprenticeships. We are
also committed to helping and supporting those transitioning from HM Armed Forces to civilian
life and guarantee an interview for those demonstrating the essential criteria for the role,
within three years of leaving the service.

Our commitment to:

Safeguarding

Oxfordshire County Council are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children,
young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share
this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect these
commitments.

Our commitment to:

Flexible Working

We are open to discussions about flexible working, which can include flexi-time, part time
working, job sharing, nine-day fortnights and annualised hours, depending on the requirements
of the role and the service.

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If you encounter any technical issues with the application system, please contact us at:
[email protected]