Biodiversity Lead – Open Spaces & Habitat

St Helens Council; St Helens; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Ongoing professional development

Supportive work environment

Community impact

Job summary

St Helens Council is seeking an Open Spaces Biodiversity Officer to protect, enhance and promote the borough's natural environment within the Environment and Sustainability Team. You will develop strategies and deliver projects across council land.

The role requires knowledge of biodiversity legislation, habitat management and the ability to provide expert ecological advice, plus willingness to work outdoors and hold a full UK driving licence.

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of biodiversity legislation and the Biodiversity Duty.
• Good knowledge of St Helens' strategies and policies.
• Knowledge of habitat management and monitoring plans.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organisational and time management skills.
• IT proficiency, including MS Word, Excel and GIS mapping software.
• Willingness to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
• A full UK driving licence.

Responsibilities

• Developing and delivering strategies, plans and projects to conserve and enhance biodiversity across the borough.
• Providing expert ecological advice to ensure best practice.
• Leading and supporting projects relating to ecology, trees and conservation.
• Commissioning and carrying out wildlife and habitat surveys, monitoring key species and reviewing management plans for key sites.
• Managing and monitoring environmental and ecology-related contracts and contributing to Green Flag Award standards.
• Identifying and delivering Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) and other biodiversity enhancement opportunities.
• Supporting funding bids and partnership projects to secure investment in biodiversity, trees, and conservation.
• Promoting biodiversity awareness through community engagement, education and support for local initiatives.
• Supporting with the implementation of the emerging Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) within St Helens.

Skills

Biodiversity legislation

Communication

Outdoor work

IT proficiency (Word, Excel)

Driving licence (UK)

GIS mapping software

Education

Degree in ecology/conservation (welcomed)

Tools

GIS

Office applications

Job description

St Helens Council is seeking an Open Spaces Biodiversity Officer to protect, enhance and promote the borough's natural environment within the Environment and Sustainability Team. You will develop strategies and deliver projects across council land.

The role requires knowledge of biodiversity legislation, habitat management and the ability to provide expert ecological advice, plus willingness to work outdoors and hold a full UK driving licence.