The Role

Do you enjoy working in a team? Are you passionate about nature conservation? Do you have experience of nature conservation management?

If so…

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an Ecology Policy and Planning Officer to join our Environment and Community Services at the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames. You will be key to influencing and implementing ecology related policy and the implementation of identifying, increasing, and enhancing habitats for flora and fauna in our diverse parks and open spaces estate.

Our goals and vision

The London Borough of Richmond upon Thames is regarded as one of the greenest London Borough’s and has one of the largest parks and open spaces estates in the country. 

In 2020 the Council finalised the Climate Emergency Strategy and Air Quality Action Plan, which both detail an ambition to beat climate change and reduce air pollution. The Parks Team has always been environmentally focused, with nature conservation at the heart of how we deliver our service.

About the team

The successful candidate will be joining a dynamic, ambitious, and experienced Parks Team that actively engages with stakeholders and residents, to ensure that our parks and open spaces meet the needs of the local community.

The Parks Team is very supportive and works closely with service-related contractors, community groups and volunteer groups, to identify necessary improvements and ensure that our parks and open spaces are safe and welcoming for all.

The Civic Centre is based in the heart of Twickenham and the role will involve a mixture of both office and remote working.  

About the role

As the Ecology Policy and Planning Officer, you will work within the wider Parks Team and be responsible for taking a proactive role in formulating and implementing the Council’s work in ecology and biodiversity, through partnership with officers from other departments, national statutory and non-statutory bodies, elected members and the local community.

You will be responsible for ensuring compliance with the Council’s statutory obligations with regards to Planning applications and Policy regarding nature conservation.

You will report to the Parks Service Manager and assist in the delivery of ecology related policy and provide ecological and biodiversity advice and expertise in relation to planning decisions, plan making, policy documents and corporate projects.

You will also support the Parks Team by advising and representing the Council on all matters relating to ecology and biodiversity, keeping up-to-date with all relevant legislation, developments and trends within the nature conservation industry to deliver various improvement projects and support in the continuous improvement of the service.

You will use your skills, knowledge, and experience to build and maintain good working relationships with our stakeholders, contractors, and residents.

To be shortlisted for interview your CV and support statement will show:

• 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
• Proven experience of nature conservation management and relevant policy and legislation.
• Experience of successfully delivering a high standard of projects to multiple and competing deadlines
• Experience of dealing with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders, community groups, residents and central government offices to improve service outcomes and provision
• Relevant ecological qualification

Benefits

We recognise the importance of a good balance between work and home life so we do everything we can to accommodate flexible working including, working from home, compressed or part-time hours, term time only, job shares and other arrangements. Please just let us know in your application or at any stage throughout the process (and beyond) if these are options you’d like to explore.

We also offer a generous holiday allowance of 39 paid days (pro rata) including bank holidays and a wide range of learning and development opportunities. In addition, we offer a comprehensive range of staff benefits such as membership of the Local Government pension scheme, childcare vouchers, new technology scheme, interest-free loans on annual travel cards, discounts with many leisure activities, restaurants, shops and other establishments.

Indicative Recruitment Timeline

• Advert close date: Friday 23^rd September 2022
• Shortlisting date/s: 26-30^th September 2022
• Interview date/s: week commencing 3^rd October 2022

Useful Information:

The closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. We strongly advise you to complete your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Please note that the advertised dates for interviews may change due to the current Covid-19 situation. If they do, we will let you know as soon as possible.

Your health and wellbeing is our top priority. Should you become unwell due to Covid-19 during the recruitment process we would very much appreciate receiving an update from you as soon as possible.

We particularly welcome applications from sections of the community who are currently underrepresented within our teams.

Richmond and Wandsworth Councils 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.

The application process for this campaign will be anonymised.

We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer.

Important Information:

Richmond and Wandsworth Councils are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Richmond and Wandsworth Councils