Spaces Biodiversity Officer

Job Description

Are you passionate about protecting and enhancing biodiversity and improving natural habitats? Join St Helens Borough Council as an Open Spaces Biodiversity Officer and play a key role in protecting, enhancing and promoting the natural environment.

We are seeking a proactive Open Spaces Biodiversity Officer with a strong knowledge of habitat management and biodiversity net gain legislation and practice to join our Environment and Sustainability Team. This is an exciting opportunity to make a real impact by protecting and enhancing St Helens’ natural environment.

We welcome applicants from a range of backgrounds. Whether you are a graduate, experienced in ecology and conservation, or looking to build your career in biodiversity, you’ll share our passion for the natural environment and making a positive difference!

• Develop and implement strategies for the management of ecology and biodiversity, contribute to strategies, and deliver targets associated with the Open Spaces Strategy and Climate Change Action Plan to ensure that the Council’s obligations with regard to the conservation and enhancement of biodiversity are met.
• Ensure that the best professional practice for ecology and trees is followed and implemented through advice and guidance to clients, contractors, and any person or organisation involved with activities in open spaces.
• Ensure that key areas within the borough are developed in line with ecological and environmental best practice principles through leading on or contributing to project works relating to ecology and trees, and produce conservation management plans.
• Commission a full survey of current ‘wildlife’ sites, organise and carry out the monitoring of species and habitats of importance, record results, and draw up or revise management plans of these sites working with council staff, external contractors, and stakeholders for the protection of the environment and trees. Monitor and record the usage of the environment, habitats, and facilities.
• Develop and deliver ecological and woodland management plans for sites within the borough, ensuring that successful ecological management regimes are in place with regular monitoring and periods of review. Assist with the development and implementation of Open Spaces management plans and support the work of the Green Flag Awards.
• Manage and monitor environmental and ecology contracts.
• Develop a pipeline of BNG (Biodiversity Net Gain) opportunities within the borough.
• Work with consultants and responsible bodies to develop baseline studies, Habitat Management and Monitoring Plans, register sites, and deliver and monitor the improvements.
• Source and support funding bids for the management and enhancement of sites within the borough for ecology, trees, and conservation.
• Promote and raise awareness of biodiversity and related issues throughout St Helens, raise awareness where appropriate of issues with potential impact on St Helens, and manage and provide support for biodiversity-related projects.
• Provide statutory advice on nature conservation for site use, promote biodiversity through key council planning policies including the requirements of Biodiversity Net Gain as set out in the Environment Act and the Local Plan LPC
  06 – Biodiversity and Geological Conservation.
• Provide ecological advice at meetings and events as required.
• Analyse survey results and site assessments and produce reports identifying biodiversity enhancement opportunities.
• Provide Open Spaces and biodiversity information and interpretation service.
• Supervise and assist with temporary employment schemes, volunteers, community, and conservation groups in their tasks as required.
• Work flexibly as part of a small team and assist when…