Biodiversity Officer

Job Introduction

About Us

Oxfordshire has a complex landscape influenced by diverse geology and crossed by 8 river systems, as a result it supports an interesting variety of habitats and is home to 7 Special Areas of Conservation, 113 Sites of Special Scientific Interest, and 399 Local Wildlife Sites. 26% of the County lies within National Landscapes.

Oxfordshire’s natural environment faces many challenges; the Council have worked collaboratively with partners to publish Oxfordshire’s Local Nature Recovery Strategy which sets out agreed priorities and actions for local nature recovery,  and we have set out how we will tackle the ecological emergency and fulfil our statutory obligations to further the conservation and enhancement of biodiversity in our recently adopted Biodiversity Action Framework. 

The Biodiversity Officer role sits within our Landscape and Nature Recovery Team, which provides a supportive environment in which staff can successfully apply, and increase, their knowledge and experience to help nature’s recovery.

About the Role

The Biodiversity Officer will focus on delivering positive ecological outcomes through the Council’s operational services, including providing on-site support to avoid and mitigate impacts on protected species and priority habitats. They will advise on biodiversity net gain, conservation management, and invasive species, while helping to realise the Council’s ambitions for Road Verge Nature Reserves and wider verge management. 

There will be opportunities to be involved in a variety of related work as we implement our recently adopted Biodiversity Action Framework and Local Nature Recovery Strategy.

About you

We are looking for someone experienced in providing ecological advice to contractors and engineers, with applied knowledge of protected species and habitat management. Good communication and problem-solving skills will be essential in this role.

Rewards and benefits

What You Can Look Forward To
  At OCC, you'll be part of a team that’s not only passionate about what we do, but also about how we do it. We foster a culture of inclusion, respect, and continuous improvement, and we’re proud to offer flexible working arrangements, professional development opportunities, and a strong sense of purpose in everything we do.  

• Hybrid working
• Great learning and development opportunities to support your growth
• Technology to support agile working – with unlimited access to Copilot for smarter productivity
• Employee Assistance Programme with health and wellbeing support
• Generous annual leave - up to 30 days plus bank holidays, and an option to 'buy' additional time off
• Enhanced family friendly policies
• Local Government Pension Scheme - employer contributions up to 19.9%
• Discounts - local and national offers for shopping and travel

Ready to Apply?

• If you are interested in this role, please submit your application by 31st May.
• Before applying, we recommend reviewing the attached job summary, which provides further information and clear guidance on what we’re looking for.
• When applying, please upload a current CV and a personal statement.
• Your personal statement should explain how your skills and experience meet the requirements of the role, with reference to the key criteria set out in the job summary. We recommend a maximum of 750 words.
• For informal enquiries or further information about the role, please contact Beccy Micklem, Landscape and Nature Recovery Team Leader on beccy.micklem@oxfordshire.gov.uk  

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.

Follow us on Social Media

Stay up-to-date with the latest news and featured jobs from Oxfordshire County Council by following us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.