Principal Nature Conservation Officer

Job title: Principal Nature Conservation Officer Salary: £46,142 - £49,282 Hours: 37 Contract: Permanent Location: Leeds city centre/hybrid West Yorkshire Combined Authority is delivering a transformative Mass Transit scheme to connect communities, reduce congestion and support sustainable growth across the region. As a key partner, Leeds City Council is seeking an accomplished Nature Conservation expert to help shape the environment for this major transport infrastructure. This role offers the opportunity to support nature conservation strategies for the forthcoming West Yorkshire Mass Transit - playing a central role in the TWAO (Transport and Works Act Order) process and representing the organisation at public inquiries. This role will be a cross-boundary resource for both Leeds City Council and Bradford Council to reflect Phase 1 of the Mass Transit system which will see routes from Leeds to Bradford and south Leeds to the city centre. Leeds City Council is one of the largest employers in the region with over 14,000 employees. We seek to recruit and develop talented individuals who embody our council values and ambitions . For other posts related to West Yorkshire Mass Transit, please search ‘Mass Transit’ in the keyword field. About You As a Nature Conservation Officer you will bring to the role: A relevant qualification or specialist degree relevant to the role. Detailed understanding of the relevant specialism, legislation and practice. Detailed understanding of current UK planning policy, legislation and practice. Experience of working effectively with others to deliver cross projects. About The Role As a Principal Nature Conservation Officer you will play a key role in assessing, managing and mitigating nature conservation impacts associated with the planning, construction and operation of the Mass Transit system. Your role will be integral to ensuring developments are compliant with complex ecology and BNG requirements, shape city-wide nature conservation policy and provide expert guidance on planning and environmental matters. This is a unique opportunity to apply your technical expertise in forward-thinking local authorities and your insights will directly influence how people live work and thrive in our communities. Key responsibilities of the role will include: Contributing to statutory and regulatory processes, including the preparation of Transport and Works Act Orders (TWAO), and representing the organisation in formal proceedings such as public inquiries. Review Environmental Impact Assessment (EIAs), planning applications and technical reports related to ecology and BNG impacts Provide specialist guidance on ecology and BNG mitigation measures throughout the design and construction stages, including the drafting of robust planning conditions. The service is based in Merrion House in Leeds City Centre, but has adopted a flexible, hybrid working model. There is an expectation that work will also be undertaken in Bradford at Britannia House in Bradford City Centre. What We Offer You We take pride in offering the best employee experience, with benefits including: a competitive salary and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions flexible and hybrid working arrangements subject to service requirements a clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities a range of staff benefits to help you boost your wellbeing and make your money go further How To Apply Click apply for redirection to Leeds City Council's recruitment platform and complete the online application form. Please note that the invites for interview will be issued in January 2026. We welcome applications from everyone and actively seek a diverse range of applicants from all backgrounds and cultures. We particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to, women, carers, veterans as well as LGBT+, ethnically diverse, disabled and care experienced people. This role is based in the UK. Home Office guidance states that candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK prior to commencing employment, either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme or having secured any other relevant work visa. If you do not have the right to work in the UK, you must consider your own eligibility for sponsorship for a particular role through the Skilled Worker visa route before applying. To be eligible for sponsorship you'll usually need to be paid the standard salary rate of at least £41,700 per year or meet one of the other eligibility criteria. Ensure you are eligible before applying.