Oxfordshire based
Remote working
Rate: £25.54 PAYE / £34.04 Umbrella
We are seeking an experienced Senior Biodiversity Officer to join the Environment & Heritage Team within the Environment and Circular Economy Directorate. This is an exciting opportunity to play a leading role in shaping biodiversity strategy, ecological planning, and nature recovery across the county. The successful candidate will provide specialist biodiversity and ecology advice supporting planning and policy functions, including highways, Regulation 3 developments, and minerals and waste applications. The role will also support Biodiversity Net Gain delivery, habitat protection, strategic environmental planning, and partnership working across Oxfordshire’s thriving biodiversity sector.
Key Responsibilities:
Provide expert biodiversity and ecological planning advice across development management and strategic planning functions
Lead on biodiversity policy, strategy development, and consultation responses
Support and monitor Biodiversity Net Gain delivery and environmental gain projects
Represent the Council at planning committees, inquiries, consultations, and public meetings
Develop systems for biodiversity monitoring, reporting, and developer contributions including S106 and CIL
Undertake habitat and species surveys within areas of competence
Work collaboratively with internal teams, statutory bodies, NGOs, local partnerships, and community groups
Support delivery of the Oxfordshire Local Nature Recovery Strategy
Provide ecological advice across operational services including highways, estates, schools, and property
Deputise for the Landscape & Nature Recovery Team Leader when required
Requirements:
Strong professional experience in biodiversity, ecology, and planning
Excellent understanding of environmental legislation, Habitat Regulations Assessment, and Biodiversity Net Gain
Experience working within local authority planning or environmental services
Ability to communicate complex ecological advice to a wide range of stakeholders
Strong partnership working and project management skills
Experience managing consultants, surveys, and ecological data
To find out more information please contact Lily at (url removed)
Recruitment is done in line with safe recruitment practices. We are an equal opportunity agency
Salary description
£25.00 - £34.00 per hour