Senior Biodiversity Officer

About us and the role

Stroud district is a vibrant and progressive area with an active development and regeneration
sector. It is also an ecological uniquely diverse area which boasts many National, European and
Internationally designated habitats and protected species. The District’s landscape is as
diverse as its ecological heritage, ranging from the tidal estuary of the River Severn, the
Severn Vale and to the rolling hills of the Cotswolds AONB to the East.

The Council is committed to proactively respond to the Climate and Ecological Emergency and has
key objectives to protect and enhance biodiversity and become a carbon neutral district by
2030. We are therefore looking to maximise opportunities for biodiversity net gain and nature
recovery and this would be an exciting opportunity to have a positive impact and ensure these
ambitious targets are fulfilled.

About you

The Council is seeking a highly motivated, enthusiastic and experienced qualified ecologist to
join the Development Management service’s specialist environmental team, to help safeguard,
promote and enhance the rich biodiversity interests of the district.

You will be the lead officer in biodiversity within the service, providing ecological advice on
Development Management issues like planning applications, Biodiversity Net Gain and Habitats
Regulations.

You will have a good knowledge of the planning system and be able to provide expert written
advice to colleagues, applicants and the general public on a wide range of planning
applications and pre-application enquires, ensuring the Council meets its statutory
requirements. You will also aid with planning appeals and committee on biodiversity issues when
required.

In exchange for your expertise, experience and enthusiasm we provide a range
of staff benefits, please click here for more information.

It is important that our staff reflect the diversity of our community, and we therefore
welcome and encourage applications from people of all genders and sexual orientation, those
from Black, Asian and other minority ethnic backgrounds, and people with disabilities.

Our organisation is committed to safeguarding the welfare of vulnerable adults, young
people and children. Safer recruitment practices are applied to all job vacancies. In line with
the Council’s duty to protect children and adults in a vulnerable situation from harm, we are
obliged to assess the suitability of individuals for certain posts by undertaking DBS
Checks. 

Stroud District has an energy unlike any other place. It’s green and dynamic, climate
conscious and motivated, creative and collaborative, rural and urban, and unapologetically
ambitious. To find out more about what makes our place, our people and our businesses so
special, please follow the link to our dedicated website: Stroud District – The Natural Place