Biodiversity Officer

Job Overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join our Fisheries, Biodiversity and Geomorphology team as a Biodiversity Officer covering Devon on a 12‑month maternity cover contract.

We work with government, local authorities, businesses and communities to make our environment cleaner, safer and healthier for people and wildlife. Addressing climate change is central to our work, and biodiversity plays a key role in building resilience.

• Use technical biodiversity expertise and influencing skills to support operational and project teams, ensuring compliance with environmental legislation while protecting and enhancing Devon’s diverse habitats and species.
• Provide internal and external consultations on biodiversity matters across a range of Environment Agency activities.
• Support operational field teams to ensure works are compliant with legislation and environmental best practice.
• Screen and advise on programmes, plans and projects for biodiversity impacts.
• Provide expert input on permits, consents, licences and planning applications.
• Identify opportunities to achieve multiple environmental benefits, including nature‑based solutions and natural flood management.
• Integrate biodiversity enhancements into plans, projects and strategies.
• Respond to incidents as part of the incident role; be available to respond or provide business continuity support during an incident.

• Degree level education in an environmental discipline or equivalent practical experience.
• Strong knowledge of biodiversity, water‑dependent habitats and species, and their ecological requirements.
• Good understanding of environmental legislation including the Habitats Regulations, Wildlife and Countryside Act, Water Framework Directive and related policy.
• Experience providing advice or consultation on environmental impacts, ideally within an operational or regulatory context.
• Ability to work effectively with field teams and influence positive environmental outcomes.
• Knowledge of riverine processes and an appreciation of engineering and mitigation approaches.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with experience of building effective working relationships.
• Ability to manage workload and deliver outcomes within time constraints.
• Knowledge of invasive species.

Knowledge of natural capital and the ecosystems approach is advantageous.

Full UK driving licence is essential and must be held prior to commencement.

• Competitive salary.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements.
• 25 days annual leave.
• Excellent pension scheme.

We are fully committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve. We welcome flexible working patterns, including job share, for all vacancies. A Guaranteed Interview Policy is in place to support applicants with a disability whose applications meet the minimum criteria for the post.