Ecology Policy and Planning Officer

Job Title: Ecology Policy and Planning Officer

Salary Range: £39,471 - £46,437

Permanent, Full time

Location: Wandsworth Town Hall , London

Other essential information: Hybrid working-a minimum of three days in the office

Objective of role

Richmond and Wandsworth Better Service Partnership has an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic Ecology Policy and Planning Officer to join the Arts, Parks, and Events Service within the Environment and Community Services Directorate. This permanent position is well suited to an individual with relevant ecological qualifications and significant experience in an ecological or biodiversity setting.

As an Ecology Policy and Planning Officer, you will play a proactive role in formulating and implementing the Council's strategic and policy work in ecology and biodiversity. You will ensure compliance with statutory obligations related to nature conservation and collaborate with various stakeholders to achieve our ecological goals.

The Parks Team is a supportive, collaborative team where effective communication is essential, commitment to providing a quality service is expected, and new ideas for improvements are welcomed. For more information about this role, please see the job description and person specification.

About the role

The specific duties and responsibilities for this role are:

• Ensure compliance with statutory obligations on planning applications related to nature conservation and Biodiversity Net Gain.
• Formulate, recommend, and implement the Borough's approach to ecology and biodiversity policies and the Local Plan.
• Provide ecological and biodiversity advice and expertise in relation to site management plans and corporate projects.
• Prepare statistical analyses and reports on issues relating to contract service providers' performance.
• Carry out site inspections and liaise with officers from other departments as appropriate in relation to ecology and biodiversity.
• Establish and maintain effective information and quality management systems to support the management of ecology and biodiversity.
• Advise and represent the Council on all matters relating to ecology and biodiversity, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation.
• Work with external groups to support volunteer activity in relation to ecology and biodiversity conservation.
• Attend Cabinet, committees, panels, and other public meetings, and present reports as necessary.

Essential Qualifications, Skills and Experience

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of the planning system in relation to protected places, priority habitats and protected and priority species.
• Knowledge of ecological principles such as the "mitigation hierarchy" and familiarly with BS42020.
• Knowledge of the Environment Act and BNG principles.
• Knowledge of reporting and analysing data.

Experience:

• Experience of nature conservation management and relevant policy and legislation.
• Experience of successfully delivering a high standard of projects to multiple, competing deadlines.
• Proven significant experience of work in an ecological / biodiversity managerial setting.

Skills:

• Problem solving.
• Managing a busy workload and knowing what to prioritise.

Qualifications:

• Relevant ecological qualifications.

Closing Date:Tuesday 12th August (midnight).

Shortlisting Date:W/C 18th August.

Interview Date: Tuesday 26th August and Thursday 28th August.

We may close this vacancy early once a sufficient number of applications has been received. Please submit your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Richmond & Wandsworth Better Service Partnership are committed to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone. We are committed to promoting equality and diversity and developing a culture that values differences, recognising that employees from a variety of backgrounds bring important and positive contributions to the Councils and can improve the way we deliver services.

We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer. If you require any reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment and selection process, please let us know.

We are also committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Some posts may be exempted under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and as such appointment to these posts will be conditional upon the receipt of a satisfactory response to a check of police records via Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

We offer a wide range of benefits designed to attract, develop, and reward our employees such as 40 days annual leave (including Bank Holidays), flexible working and a generous pension plan.