Biodiversity Officer

Newtownards

£16.61 per hour

Monday – Friday (36 hours)

We are currently recruiting a Biodiversity Officer on behalf of our client Ards & North Down Borough Council. The successful candidate will be responsible for maintaining, updating and delivering the Local Biodiversity Action Plan as well as assisting the Council’s planning department in advising on planning matters where there is a Biodiversity element.

Main Duties:

To identify and advise of the natural heritage resources of the Borough’s  area including:

• the landscape character areas occurring in the borough;
• international, national, regional and locally important nature conservation sites and rare and notable wildlife species;
• NI Priority & UK Biodiversity Action Plan habitats and species which occur in the area;
• sites of local wildlife value for possible designation as Local Nature Reserves;
• sites of local nature conservation importance for identification in Area Plans.

To identify:

• opportunities for the enhancement of Council and other public land for wildlife purposes;
• changes occurring in the countryside and built up areas impacting on biodiversity;
• the requirement for further survey and research.

To promote, prioritise and provide for:

• awareness, access to and enjoyment of the wildlife and natural environment among local communities;
• local biodiversity action plans for priority habitats and species for the area;
• a strategic framework in which to set grant aid applications to funding bodies;

Other Duties:

• To undertake environmental education, both internally and externally, and raise awareness of the threats and opportunities available.
• To assist in the development of projects, including preparation of cost estimates, securing grant aid and external funding.
• To organise appropriate events linked to biodiversity within the programmes which have a biodiversity component.
• Prepare progress and other reports as required.
• Any other additional duties as directed consistent with the nature and level of the post.

Essential Qualifications & Experience:

• Third level qualification in a relevant discipline preferably with an emphasis on ecology, nature conservation, environmental sciences or countryside management

OR

• Three years’ experience in the fields of biodiversity/nature conservation as outlined below:
• 2 years’ experience in the fields of biodiversity/nature conservation which must include developing projects and securing funding, implementing action plans, carrying out habitat surveys and preparation of reports
• A sound knowledge of current environmental legislation
• Knowledge and understanding of the (Local Biodiversity Action Plan) LBAP process

Skills / Other Requirements:

• Computer literacy
• Organisational skills
• Good Communication skills and Leadership skills
• A valid driving licence with access to a form of transport that will allow fulfilment of the duties of the post or have access to a suitable form of transport which will enable the post holder to meet the requirements of the post**

Please send your CV to olivia.corken@therecruitmentco.uk or give Olivia a call on 02892668330 for more information.