Biodiversity Officer - Environment OfficerGrade 10-11

About the Role

Are you passionate about protecting and enhancing natural habitats? Do you have a background in biodiversity, planning, and ecological preservation? We are seeking an enthusiastic and knowledgeable Biodiversity Officer to join our dedicated team to help safeguard and enrich the diverse wildlife of West Yorkshire.

In this role, you will collaborate closely with planners and other professionals to ensure that biodiversity considerations are seamlessly integrated into the planning process. You'll offer expert advice and guidance on biodiversity in response to pre-application enquiries, planning applications, and appeals. Your input will play a strategic part in promoting Biodiversity Net Gain as outlined in the Environment Act 2021, working to support sustainable development goals in line with ecological priorities.

Key Responsibilities

• Ecological Advice: Provide ecological input on pre-application discussions and planning applications, advising on related policies and procedures, and contributing to planning proposals and Local Plan objectives.
• Biodiversity Net Gain: Deliver expertise in Biodiversity Net Gain metrics, assessing planning applications to ensure compliance, and assisting in the formulation of S106 agreements and planning conditions.
• Collaboration: Work closely with a range of stakeholders, including applicants, agents, and developers, to negotiate proposals and maintain high ecological standards in planning submissions.
• Policy Support: Contribute to habitat banking initiatives, Local Nature Recovery Strategies, and Supplementary Planning Documents, supporting the broader ecological goals.
• Representation: Prepare written statements for planning appeals and attend public inquiries, hearings, and proceedings to present evidence on biodiversity matters.

Who We're Looking For

We're looking for someone with a solid understanding of ecology, biodiversity legislation, and planning systems, who can interpret and apply these within the planning process. You'll have excellent communication skills, the ability to negotiate effectively, and the technical know-how to assess and advise on biodiversity metrics confidently.

If you're ready to contribute your ecological expertise and make a meaningful impact on local wildlife conservation, we would love to hear from you!