Sustainability and Energy Officer

Warwick District Council is looking for an enthusiastic professional with a passion for sustainability and a desire to play a key role locally in the transition to reduce carbon emissions to deliver net-zero carbon development.

We are looking for a post-graduate in a relevant subject also with post-qualification experience of working in relevant roles. The postholder should have a strong understanding of energy/carbon in the built environment (both operational and embodied carbon) and knowledge of the planning system and net-zero carbon requirements.

Warwick District sees tackling climate change as a critical and essential and has already made important progress on implementing its Climate Action Programme. In the Council’s recently adopted Corporate Strategy, ‘Low cost, low carbon energy across the district’ was identified as one of 3 strategic priorities of the Council.

The Council has produced a Net Zero-Carbon Development Plan Document, to require new buildings to be net-zero carbon in operation and this post is critical to the implementation of those policies and the success of the DPD. The Council is also working with Stratford-on-Avon District Council on a joint South Warwickshire Local Plan and one of the five overarching principles of that Plan is ‘A climate resilient and net zero carbon South Warwickshire’.

You will lead on the assessment of energy statements and other technical information submitted in connection with planning and related applications to seek to comply with sustainability and net zero carbon policies and guidance, and to provide advice and technical expertise to develop planning policies and guidance to support the successful implementation of the council’s net zero carbon targets.

You will need to be self-motivated and enthusiastic, with appropriate qualifications, experience and relevant technical knowledge to enable you to take a leading role in this important area. You will need to have strong communication skills and be able to work to deadlines.

The post holder will be a key part of the council’s Climate Change team but will work closely with colleagues elsewhere in the Council, most notably within Development Management and Planning Policy.

The intention is for the postholder to work predominantly from home however, it is a requirement to attend our offices or sites within Warwick District and Stratford District owing to work on a joint South Warwickshire Local Plan, as required. Any costs for travel from home to the office will be met by the successful candidate. However, office and hybrid working are also available.

If you wish to discuss the position in further detail before submitting your application, please contact Dave Barber (Programme Director for Climate Change) on [email protected] / 07879 840262 or Andrew Cornfoot (Planning Policy and Major Sites Delivery Manager) on [email protected] / 01926 456203.