Graduate Biodiversity Officer

Role Responsibility

The Environment Act 2021 has resulted in significant change to how biodiversity is dealt with at local government level, placing Kent County Council in an important position as it takes the strategic lead across the county in delivering on the Local Nature Recovery Strategy, Biodiversity Net Gain and the requirements of the strengthened Biodiversity Duty.

A passionate graduate is sought to provide support to the Ecological Advice Service team at Kent County Council, who advise on the ecological implications of development, strategic planning and other proposals on behalf of the authority. As a Graduate Biodiversity Officer, you’ll also support the service to ensure the planning authority meets wildlife legislation, policy requirements and duties, and effectively protects, manages and enhances the biodiversity of Kent.

Main responsibilities include: providing biodiversity officers with all the necessary information required to assess the ecological impacts of planning applications by validating information; maintaining records of services provided by managing the planning applications database and providing monthly and quarterly reports; and supporting the provision of ecological advice by reviewing simple applications and conditions, and advising whether they meet legislative and policy requirements.

With a clearly defined career path, this is an exciting opportunity for a graduate to not only be involved in the roll out of the mandatory Biodiversity Net Gain policy, but to also develop the skills and experience that will support progression within this field of work. There’s also a fantastic opportunity to study an Associate Project Management Level 4 Apprenticeship.

About You

The right candidate will have a 2:2 degree or equivalent in any natural environment discipline and GCSEs grade A-C (4-9 or equivalent) in English Language and Mathematics. They will also be willing to work towards an accreditation for the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM).

We are currently operating hybrid working giving the flexibility for individuals to work from home or in one of our reconfigured office buildings.

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, telephone Elizabeth 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.