Biodiversity Technical Officer

About the role

We are looking for a Biodiversity Technical Officer to join our friendly and passionate Natural Environment Team at Dorset Council. With a growing portfolio of planning and project work we are looking for someone who is personable, qualified and can hit the ground running providing technical support to the team.

The Natural Environment Team is a specialist team of friendly professionals.

The role primarily involves assisting the ecology officers organising and recording responses to planning applications, assisting in the coordination and tracking of ecological advice in relation to Dorset Council schemes, projects and land management activities. You will work closely with the team Manager and help to coordinate the work of the team and keep track of team finances.

Working with the team, you will be busy with a varied workload and tasks. You will play a key role in team communications and ensure the smooth running of the team’s procedures and systems.

You will have a relevant qualification, excellent communication and organisation skills and be able to work on your own as well as part of a team. An understanding of the current planning system and knowledge of Dorset wildlife and habitats would be desirable but not essential.

The post will involve delivering on a range of tasks simultaneously therefore you should have excellent time management skills and the ability to prioritise with changing parameters and tight deadlines.

You will need to have a flexible approach to work, traveling to meetings and site visits, working in the office and at home. A full driving licence and access to a vehicle is a requirement.

This post is permanent and full time (37 hours per week). The role presents a range of opportunities including contributing to guidance, evaluating and developing new systems and ways of working, helping deliver ecological advice, and engaging with colleagues and partners across the authority and more widely.

You will need to demonstrate your experience and level of knowledge in your application and at interview.

• Be part of a team that works together for a better Dorset.
• Have access to a range of benefits and support.
• Receive training and development opportunities to help your career progress.

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation where different skills, perspectives, and backgrounds strengthen both our council and the communities we serve. We welcome applications from everyone and are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. If you declare a disability and meet the essential criteria for the role, we will offer you an interview. We also want our recruitment process to be accessible, if you need any reasonable adjustments, just let us know on your application.