Biodiversity Conservation Officer

Role Overview:

As a vital member of the Biodiversity Team within the County Council, your primary responsibility will be to assist in fulfilling the Council's obligations regarding biodiversity. Collaborating closely with the Principal Ecology Officer, you will engage with various departments, including Planning, Climate Change, and Rural Estates, to promote ecological integrity.

Key Responsibilities:

Biodiversity Planning

• Evaluate and respond to planning proposals to ensure compliance with biodiversity conservation mandates.
• Provide expert ecological advice on planning matters, including pre-application consultations.
• Support the implementation of the Council's biodiversity strategy and related policies through collaborative efforts.
• Conduct ecological surveys and prepare comprehensive reports.
• Offer in-house ecological guidance.
• Assist in executing the Council's Biodiversity Strategy, Tree & Woodland Strategy, and Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS).

Biodiversity Initiatives

• Contribute to the strategic direction of partnership projects aimed at enhancing the natural environment, including community-driven nature recovery efforts.
• Develop and implement biodiversity initiatives in alignment with the Council's Climate Change & Environment Strategy.
• Represent the Council in partnerships, including the County Wildlife Sites Panel and Biodiversity Working Group.

Information Management and Monitoring

• Ensure accessibility and interpretation of information related to biodiversity targets and ecological data.
• Monitor the status of nature conservation sites, supporting local record centers to maintain current ecological information.
• Maintain an overview of the Council's biodiversity action planning responsibilities and stay informed about available data from various sources.

This position requires travel across the region, so a valid driving license and access to personal transport are essential. The Council provides a pool car service for site visits and meetings.

Candidate Profile:

To excel in this position, we seek an individual who:

• Is adept at interpreting complex ecological data.
• Understands ecological planning challenges, with experience in prioritizing planning application responses and report compilation.
• Can provide habitat management recommendations for the Council's nature reserves and biodiversity sites.
• Is skilled in engaging with local communities and advising on significant Council projects.
• Has a track record of developing and implementing effective policies.
• Is capable of making informed decisions independently.
• Demonstrates proactivity and initiative in generating innovative ideas.
• Can effectively manage workloads to meet deadlines within a dynamic team environment.
• Is proficient in computer applications, including GIS systems and databases.

Employee Benefits:

The Cambridgeshire County Council values its employees and offers a range of benefits beyond standard provisions such as annual leave and pension contributions:

• A comprehensive wellbeing package addressing all aspects of health and wellness, accessible to family members.
• The option to purchase up to 4 additional weeks of annual leave through a salary sacrifice scheme.
• Flexible arrangements for taking bank holidays to accommodate personal needs.
• Opportunities for professional development, including apprenticeships and coaching.
• Paid volunteering hours to positively impact the community during work hours.
• Access to Peer Support Groups through our equality, diversity, and inclusion network.
• Recognition through Employee Awards for outstanding contributions.
• A rewards account offering discounts and benefits, including car leasing and cycle-to-work schemes.