Nature Recovery Officer

About The Role

Are you passionate about protecting and restoring nature? West Oxfordshire District Council is looking for an enthusiastic Nature Recovery Officer to help deliver our ambitious Nature Recovery Plan 2024-2030 and fulfil our duties under the Environment Act 2021. Working within our Planning Policy team alongside a dedicated team of ecologists, you'll play a key role in developing, delivering and monitoring projects that enhance biodiversity, support local communities and help shape a greener future for West Oxfordshire.

This is a varied and rewarding role where you'll work with a wide range of partners, including community groups, environmental organisations, parish councils, schools and conservation volunteers. From supporting the Oxfordshire Local Nature Recovery Strategy and Biodiversity Net Gain initiatives to developing habitat projects, improving urban green spaces and leading volunteer activities at Kilkenny Lane Country Park, you'll have the opportunity to make a real and lasting impact on nature recovery across the district.

We're looking for someone with a relevant ecology qualification and experience in ecology or nature recovery, together with a sound understanding of biodiversity legislation, Biodiversity Net Gain and habitat management. In return, you'll join a supportive and knowledgeable team, benefit from flexible and agile working with a base at our Woodgreen offices in Witney (typically two days a week), and have the opportunity to contribute to meaningful environmental change. If you're ready to help create thriving places for both people and wildlife, we'd love to hear from you. 

You will need

Essential:

- A relevant degree qualification in ecology or a related subject with at least 2 years' experience in an ecology or nature recovery related role, or at least 5-years' relevant work/voluntary experience.
- A demonstrable personal interest in, and commitment to, nature's recovery.
-  Knowledge and understanding of UK biodiversity legislation, policy and strategy.
-  Knowledge of nature recovery, Local Nature Recovery Strategies and public authorities' statutory biodiversity duty.

- Knowledge of Biodiversity Net Gain and experience of habitat survey, creation and management techniques

For more information about this role please see the Job Description/Person Specification.

Desirable:

- Experience of managing projects and working flexibly as part of a team.

Special Conditions

- Access to a vehicle for work purposes.
- Full UK Driving Licence
- You will be expected to work reasonable additional hours in line with the needs of the service.
- There may be a requirement to work at other locations to meet the needs of the business.

What we can do for you

- Agile working allowing a mix of home and office working
- Flexible working arrangements (depending on the role)
- 27 days paid annual leave (pro rata if you are working part time) plus bank holidays, which increases to 30 days after five years' service and 33 days following 10 years' continuous service
- In addition you will have an extra two volunteering days a year for you to support a charity of your choice
- Renewed again for another year there is a Health cash plan giving you cash back on health, dental and eye care
- Generous contributory local government pension scheme
- Employee Assistance Programme 24/7, providing positive, preventative and supportive advice and counselling to deal with everyday events and issues
- Cycle to work scheme
- Salary sacrifice car lease scheme with significant tax and NI savings to be made on electric cars
- Generous sickness cover above statutory entitlements 

About The Organisation

West Oxfordshire District Council is a forward-looking council, putting residents first and working in partnership to support our communities. We are delivering an ambitious Council Plan for the district that is focused on important local priorities including affordable housing, climate and ecological action, helping our economy to grow and building communities.

We also provide a range of important local services that make a positive impact to our district on a daily basis including planning, housing, waste and recycling collections, leisure centres, community safety and environmental health.

Joining West Oxfordshire District Council you will be helping us achieve our goals for the district and play a part in supporting our communities, our businesses and our environment.

Accredited of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy/ies. 

Our organisation is committed to meeting its statutory and moral duties to safeguard and promote the welfare of children, young people under 18 years of age and adults at risk who are the recipients of its services and/or activities.

Safer recruitment practices are applied to all job vacancies. Successful candidates will be required to complete a pre-employment medical questionnaire; provide references;  proof of identity; nationality and immigration status; three years' employment or education history (if applicable) and, in some cases, verification of criminal record.