Making Space for Nature Local Government Officer

Role Responsibility

The Environment Act 2021 has resulted in significant change to how biodiversity is dealt with at the local government level and no more so than through the introduction of Local Nature Recovery Strategies.

The Making Space for Nature in Kent and Medway project will develop this important strategic document for the county. The Strategy will agree and map our most valuable areas for nature, priorities for its recovery, and opportunities for wider environmental benefits. It will be collaborative and locally led, with a large emphasis on stakeholder engagement.

As responsible authority, Kent County Council is looking to assemble a dynamic team to deliver this landmark piece of work.

The Making Space for Nature Local Government Officer will lead the partnership work with Kent’s local planning authorities. They will be responsible for ensuring that our district and borough partners are involved throughout the Strategy’s development, enabling the work to benefit from a planning view and constructive challenge. We are looking for a strategic minded individual who understands planning and the important role it can play in land management and nature recovery.  As a result, the Officer will be instrumental in ensuring that the Kent and Medway Local Nature Recovery Strategy is best placed to inform the county’s local plans and land use decision making.

The position is offered on a fixed-term contract basis of 20 months; secondments and approaches from self-employed professionals will be considered.  Closing date for applications is 24^th July, with interviews expected to be held in the weeks commencing 7^th and 14^th August. 

For the Making Space for Nature in Kent and Medway project team, we are also currently advertising for a Landowner Officer, a Making Space for Nature Officer and a Coastal and Marine Officer. 

This post is considered by KCC to be a customer-facing position. The Council therefore has a statutory duty under Part 7 of the Immigration Act (2016) to ensure that post holders have a command of spoken English/Welsh sufficient for the effective performance of the job requirements. The appropriate standards are set out in the Job Description/Person Specification.

Contact Details

For more information about all positions, telephone Liz Milne on 03000 413950 or email elizabeth.milne@kent.gov.uk.

About the Company

KCC is committed to building a workforce which reflects the diversity of the county's working residents, encouraging applications from people of all ages, abilities, genders, sexual orientations, ethnic backgrounds and faiths, and aspires to create an inclusive workplace where everyone can be themselves at work.

Please note – if you are interested, please apply as soon as possible as the closing date for this advert may be earlier than stated should a number of suitably qualified candidates apply.