About The RoleAn exciting time to join Cotswold District Council.Proud, passionate, ambitious - it couldn’t be a more exciting time to work for Cotswold District Council. We’re searching for the very best people to join us. The Cotswold District is a great place and we are rightly proud of our businesses, communities and residents. We’re busy recreating a council that’s pro-active and responsive to the needs of our residents and businesses in a fast-changing environment. That means we need to be ‘fleet of foot’ and look for innovative and creative ways to deliver against our Corporate Plan priorities. The Council has an ambitious Council Plan focussed on a range of important priorities including climate action, strong local communities, and a vibrant district economy. Cotswold District Council is seeking a passionate and knowledgeable Biodiversity Officer to play a key role in protecting and enhancing the district’s natural environment. This is a vital post supporting the delivery of the Council’s Ecological Emergency Action Plan, ensuring nature recovery and high-quality ecological design are at the heart of local development. You will help us tackle the climate and ecological emergencies while securing lasting improvements for wildlife, habitats and green infrastructure across the Cotswolds.The successful candidate will provide expert advice to colleagues, Councillors, developers and the public on biodiversity matters, influencing planning applications, policies and projects to secure biodiversity net gain. You will contribute to Local Plan reviews, prepare technical reports, act as an expert witness at appeals, and support enforcement against unlawful ecological damage. Alongside this, you will help engage communities and stakeholders in projects that promote the understanding, enjoyment and enhancement of our outstanding natural environment.We are looking for someone with a relevant degree and substantial experience in biodiversity, particularly within the planning system. A postgraduate qualification and CIEEM membership (or eligibility) are highly desirable. Strong communication skills, the ability to work under pressure, and proven experience of influencing positive ecological outcomes are essential. If you are committed, resilient, and motivated to make a real difference for nature in the Cotswolds, we would love to hear from you.You will need

Postgraduate qualification in your area of expertise and/or relevant experience of at least five years.
Relevant undergraduate degree.
GCSE Maths and English or equivalent to grade C/4 or higher.
Substantial level of knowledge, understanding and experience of all aspects of biodiversity, particularly those relevant to the planning system (including enforcement and appeals).

Special Conditions

Full UK driving licence with access to a vehicle for work purposes

What can we do for you…

Agile working allowing a mix of home and office working
Flexible working arrangements (depending on the role)
27 days paid annual leave (pro rata if you are working part time) plus bank holidays, which increases to 30 days after five years of service
In addition you will have an extra two volunteering days a year for you to support a charity of your choice
Renewed again for another year there is a Health cash plan giving you cash back on health, dental and eye care
Generous contributory local government pension scheme
Employee Assistance Programme 24/7, providing positive, preventative and supportive advice and counselling to deal with everyday events and issues
Cycle to work scheme
Salary sacrifice car lease scheme with significant tax and NI savings to be made on electric cars
Generous sickness cover above statutory entitlements

Terms and conditions applyTo apply: If you feel this is the role for you please upload your CV and supporting statement detailing how you meet the criteria above by clicking on the ‘Apply for this Position’ icon within this page. Your application will not be considered if you have not provided a supporting statement, in addition to your CV.About The OrganisationWe are rightly proud of the businesses, communities and residents who live in this beautiful part of the world, putting them first and at the heart of everything we do. We’re busy recreating a council set up for success, which can deliver for the needs of our communities in a fast-changing environment. That means we need to be ‘fleet of foot’ and look for innovative and creative ways to deliver against our Corporate Plan priorities.That plan focuses on a range of important priorities including delivering good services for residents, responding to the climate emergency, supporting strong local communities, and evolving the district’s vibrant economy.Accredited of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy/ies - Please state this within your covering statement or in a separate email. Our organisation is committed to safeguarding the welfare of vulnerable adults, young people and children. Safer recruitment practices are applied to all job vacanciesSafer recruitment practices are applied to all job vacancies. Successful candidates will be required to complete a pre-employment medical questionnaire; provide references; proof of identity; nationality and immigration status; three years’ employment or education history (if applicable) and, in some cases, verification of criminal record.

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