Job Ref: 215493376

Date: 2022-01-06 14:39:15

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Overview
Pertemps Recruitment on behalf of Buckinghamshire Council has an exciting opportunity for a part time Senior Ecology Officer to join the Planning and Environment team in their Aylesbury office (HP20 area). This is a remote working, two day per week or ad-hoc basis role working alongside the Historic and Built Environment Manager where you will play an important role in providing ecological advice, and developing policies for the management, protection and enhancement of important habitats and species within the County, with particular reference to the planning system and related environmental and wildlife legislation.

About us and our Client
As a flexible employee of Pertemps Recruitment Partnership Ltd, you will be joining a Company that holds the distinction of being one of the largest and most successful independent recruitment agencies in the country. Our pioneering spirit and ability to tap into the uniqueness of each individual's talents has enabled us to open doors for our employees, our clients and our applicants too. Our philosophies and rewards are built very much on mutual trust and respect within the style of a partnership in which we hope you will feel both fulfilled and valued as a person

Buckinghamshire Council are a leading Authority with offices in Aylesbury, Amersham and High Wycombe, whose values represent exactly what they are – Proud, Ambitious, Collaborative and Trustworthy. By joining Buckinghamshire Council, you can expect:
a fair and inclusive culture
the chance to really make a difference to your local community and those around you
health and well-being initiatives including Mental Health First Aiders and mindfulness workshops
ongoing support, and the opportunity to develop and progress in your career
opportunities to take part in fun activities such as fundraising and social events
About the role
As a Senior Ecology Officer you will be responsible for the following:
To provide expert ecological advice in response to planning consultations; this includes ecology advice to the Local Planning Authority and other bodies on matters and policies affecting the County's natural environment at all stages of the planning process
To provide expert advice regarding the impact of major development projects and recommend appropriate mitigation or compensation and act as an expert witness at Planning Appeals and Public Inquiries regarding ecological and associated issues.
To provide authoritative ecological advice specifically on minerals and waste planning applications, infrastructure schemes, school developments and other major developments across Buckinghamshire.
To assess documentation submitted in relation to biodiversity net gain and analysis of the relevant biodiversity net gain metric.
To provide authoritative ecological advice, guidance and support to colleagues, customers and stakeholders, responding to and investigating enquiries/escalated complaints.
Actively develop further opportunities for developing and improving the service coordinated with other colleagues internally and externally.
To ensure professional standards are met and information is submitted to the Environmental Record Centre. Identify issues, resolving as appropriate and escalating complex problems if necessary
To research current issues, developments, good practice and legislation changes which impact on the natural environment. Develop and submit reports, responses and recommendations on key issues which support development planning policies and programmes. Share information effectively within the team and more widely.
To work with partners, including the Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes Natural Environment Partnership, on developing and implementing Biodiversity Accounting
This is a temporary position until 31 October 2022, though there is potential for this to be extended further. The pay rate is £20.15 per hour, and you will be working remotely on a part time basis, 2 days per week (or an ad-hoc basis can be discussed).

Although this is a mostly remote working role, the main office is situated in Aylesbury town centre (HP20 area) which has great transport links including a local train station and excellent road connections to the M25, M1, M4 and M40

About you
We are looking for someone with the following traits and experience:
Experience of ecological planning advice or consultancy. Knowledge of the terrestrial ecology, habitats and species of lowland England. Knowledge of Environmental Records and Biodiversity Action Plan.
Knowledge of legislation and policy relating to habitats and species with particular reference to their treatment within the planning system and environmental assessment.
Able to integrate ecological benefits with other priorities, working with different disciplines.
Negotiating successful resolutions between conflicting interests, and ideally presenting evidence at planning appeals
Excellent planning and organisational skills, to manage a range of complex activities and to achieve given targets and objectives
Prepare advice/reports based on robust evidence and provide clear recommendations.
Especially GIS and environmental recording databases
Proven ability to cope with conflicting and changing demands through good time management and the ability to work under pressureOther information
We are looking for someone to start as soon as possible.
The interviews will be held over Microsoft Teams.

Apply now or call or email the team for further information:

(phone number removed)

We reserve the right to close the vacancy once we have received sufficient applications, so please be advised to submit your application as early as possible

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