Senior 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 Senior 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 Senior Biodiversity Officer will provide comprehensive specialist biodiversity and ecology technical support to support our Local Planning Authority function at all stages of the planning process, as well as providing the Council’s ecological representation on Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects and Local Plans.  Based in the Landscape and Nature Recovery Team, the Senior Biodiversity Officer will work closely with our Planning Teams, as well as providing informal supervision of two Biodiversity Officers. 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 dealing with complex biodiversity and ecology issues within development management, including Biodiversity Net Gain and Environmental Impact Assessment. Good communication and problem-solving skills will be essential in this role.

Rewards and benefits

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, full time and 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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