Biodiversity Officer (Net-Gain)

We are looking for a degree qualified candidate with expertise in biodiversity or a related field to join our team.

The ideal candidate will bring significant experience in ecology or a similar field, complemented by a strong foundation in habitat surveying. A solid understanding of Biodiversity Net Gain principles is essential along with budget estimating, monitoring expenditure experience, contractor management and good communication skills.

We have a vibrant team that is passionate about the natural world and how we can enhance it locally, to help recover the ecosystems here in the Borough. Biodiversity Net Gain is an ever-growing aspect of national legislation that offers opportunities for us to improve our habitats locally with the postholder key to delivering this important legislative responsibility of the Council.

The post holder will be well supported in an environment where innovation, initiative and personal growth is encouraged.

Key responsibilities include

• Development and co-ordination of systems to achieve Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) as part of the draft Local Plan and requirements of the Environment Act.

• Monitor habitat condition/type on enhancement projects and development sites. Liaise with developers and landowners to remediate any issues.

• Support Parks & Countryside and other Council departments with ecological advice, including the delivery of the objectives of the recently published Biodiversity Action Plan, species surveys and UK HABS surveys, education and communication both in-house and with external partners, and budget monitoring for BNG projects.

Our benefits include… 

• Generous annual leave of 28 days increasing to 33 days after 3 years’ service (pro rata for part time).
• Annual leave purchase policy.
• Opportunities for flexible and agile working, to support our employees’ work-life balance.
• An inclusive and social working environment with a variety of staff networks including sports and social clubs.
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption and fostering leave.
• Career development through internal and external training opportunities.
• Local government pension scheme.
• Life insurance cover (linked to the pension scheme).
• A great office location next to travel links and the regenerated town centre.
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support employees’ health and wellbeing.
• Staff dental and health plans.
• Discounted leisure centre and gym membership.
• Supermarket discount.

Interview Date

Interviews will be held on Monday 16th December 2024

Interviews will be conducted in person, providing candidates with the chance to personally meet the team and experience our work environment.

We will be reviewing applications regularly and reserve the right to close the advert early if suitable candidates are identified. To avoid disappointment, you are advised to submit your application as soon as possible.

Please note AI is prohibited during the interview, any candidate using AI will be withdrawn from consideration.

Want to ask us a question?

For an informal discussion or to ask any questions about this role, please contact:

Gareth Ryman, Green Infrastructure Strategy Manager: 01344 355067

 

At Bracknell Forest we champion equality, diversity and inclusion. At Bracknell Forest Council, we are always learning, ambition and inclusive. Please see our candidate pack for more details.

We can only accept applications from candidates currently residing in the UK.

Candidates currently residing in the UK who require sponsorship to work are encouraged to assess their eligibility for a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) based on the relevant criteria. Please be aware that sponsorship availability varies and is subject to eligibility requirements and budget limitations. As a result, we cannot guarantee sponsorship for all roles and will evaluate sponsorship requests on a case-by-case basis.

No agencies please.