About Us
North Somerset Council is dedicated to providing high-quality services to our community. We are committed to creating a fair, green, and more inclusive environment for all our residents. Join us and contribute to making a positive impact on our community.
The Role
The Natural Environment Team are responsible for managing North Somerset Council-owned trees and the rights of way network, responding to planning applications and delivering the Councils Green Infrastructure Strategy.
In this role, you will primarily provide responses to planning applications, compile reports (including the completion of Habitat Regulation Assessments), provide planning advice and advise colleagues on the Councils major projects. You will also monitor the delivery of biodiversity net gain (BNG) on Council-owned land, review BNG monitoring reports and review applications for BNG sites.
Key Responsibilities:
Provision of professional ecological advice to the Development Management Planning service via planning application consultation responses.
Completion of Habitat Regulations Assessments for applicable planning applications and consultation with Natural England.
Review of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) submissions including Habitat Monitoring and Management Plans, BNG Metrics, Biodiversity Gain Plans and monitoring reports.
Provision of pre-application advice and ecology advice on internal Council projects.
About You
We are looking for an individual who is passionate about [relevant field/area], and who possesses the following skills and experience:
Essential Criteria:
Vocational qualification or experience to level 4 or above relevant to the Ecology and the Natural Environment field.
Knowledge and understanding of ecological planning issues.
A good understanding of protected species, particularly bats.
Experience undertaking Habitat Regulations Assessments.
A broad working knowledge of wildlife and the relevant legislation and policy in place to protect and enhance it.
Ability to manage/organise own work.
Desirable Criteria:
Experience undertaking Habitat Regulations Assessments.
Familiarity with biodiversity net gain.
Knowledge of the North Somerset and Mendip Bats Special Area of Conservation (SAC) Guidance on Development: Supplementary Planning Document and the associated Habitat Evaluation Protocol (HEP).
Phase 1 extended ecological surveys & UK Habitat Mapping and Classification.
Arboricultural surveys.
Member of CIEEM (or eligible).
What We Offer
At North Somerset Council, we value our employees and provide a supportive and inclusive work environment. We offer:
Competitive salary and benefits
Flexible working arrangements
Opportunities for professional development
Staff groups
Opportunity to purchase up to an additional 10 days annual leave each year
Dedicated Wellbeing Team
Salary sacrifice cycle to work and Electric vehicle schemes
Further details of our excellent rewards package can be found in our
Benefits booklet . How to Apply If you share our vision and values and are ready to make an impact to North Somerset, please select the apply button below. If you are interested in this exciting opportunity, please submit your application by 11.59pm on the application closing date. When completing our online application form, please detail how you meet the essential criteria for the role. Contact Information: For further information about the role, please contact Esther Coffin-Smith, Natural Environment Manager, at esther.coffin-smith@n-somerset.gov.uk or 07385 039453. Important Information Interview Date:
Thursday 30 January 2025. We are currently only able to accept applications from candidates who have full permission to work in the UK. Equal Opportunities At North Somerset Council we want all our employees to feel valued and appreciated. We aim to ensure equality of opportunity and prevent discrimination irrespective of your sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion or belief, race, age, disability, including neurodiversity, if you are married or in a civil partnership or are pregnant or currently on maternity leave. We strive to create a workplace that reflects the communities we serve and where everyone feels empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. As a
Disability Confident Leader , we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job role.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Benefits booklet . How to Apply If you share our vision and values and are ready to make an impact to North Somerset, please select the apply button below. If you are interested in this exciting opportunity, please submit your application by 11.59pm on the application closing date. When completing our online application form, please detail how you meet the essential criteria for the role. Contact Information: For further information about the role, please contact Esther Coffin-Smith, Natural Environment Manager, at esther.coffin-smith@n-somerset.gov.uk or 07385 039453. Important Information Interview Date:
Thursday 30 January 2025. We are currently only able to accept applications from candidates who have full permission to work in the UK. Equal Opportunities At North Somerset Council we want all our employees to feel valued and appreciated. We aim to ensure equality of opportunity and prevent discrimination irrespective of your sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion or belief, race, age, disability, including neurodiversity, if you are married or in a civil partnership or are pregnant or currently on maternity leave. We strive to create a workplace that reflects the communities we serve and where everyone feels empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. As a
Disability Confident Leader , we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job role.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
