Countryside Officer

Job Advert

**Countryside Officer**

**Salary**: £39,977 to £45,568 per annum

Hours: Full time, two-year fixed term (possibility of extension, funding dependent)

South Oxfordshire and the Vale of White Horse District Councils are seeking an experienced ecological professional to work within the council’s Countryside Team. This is an exciting and varied role working with other specialist advisors who are helping to shape the future environment of southern Oxfordshire.

You will be working alongside a multi-disciplinary team including Tree Officers, Heritage Conservation Officers, Urban Designers and Landscape Architects. You will have a wide range of experience and skills, including experience of working with local authorities and ecological consultants.

**Duties will include**:

- Providing ecological advice to planning colleagues in relation to small and medium scale development proposals, negotiating with developers and defending planning decisions at appeals.
- Practical species and habitat surveys skills.
- Providing specialist advice in relation to implementing and enforcing the Council’s responsibilities for protected species and habitats.
- Assisting the Council in responding to the requirements of the Environment Act 2021 relating to the delivery of mandatory Biodiversity Net Gain in the planning process.
- Maintain and develop effective partnerships with environmental organisations and key stakeholders.
- Assist with the development and implementation of corporate policies, guidance and procedures such as Local Development Plans and Supplementary Planning Documents.

If you have a positive team working approach and are keen to work alongside a range of in-house disciplines this is an excellent opportunity to develop your skills.

Application Closing Date: 19 July 2023