Natural Environment Manager

Devon County Council; Exeter; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A local authority in the South West of England seeks a leader for its Natural Environment Team. This position involves managing a team, overseeing environmental strategies, and fostering partnerships for ecological enhancement. The ideal candidate will have leadership experience and expertise in environmental policies. A commitment to safeguarding welfare and promoting diversity is essential. Flexible working arrangements are available.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Qualifications

• Strong team management skills.
• Experience in policy development and implementation.
• Ability to influence change.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Natural Environment Team to promote environmental resilience.
• Oversee specialist advice for planning, infrastructure, and land management.
• Promote sustainable access and community engagement with natural environments.
• Drive efforts to protect and restore Devon's natural environment.

Skills

Leadership experience

Expert knowledge in environmental discipline

Good understanding of spatial planning

Ability to build partnerships

Strategic thinking

Job description

You’ll lead and manage the Natural Environment Team (currently 12 people), covering ecology and landscape disciplines, to ensure that the authority’s assets and activities protect, enhance and promote enjoyment of Devon’s environment while inspiring communities to do the same. Your work will include:

• Developing and influencing policy and strategy to promote environmental resilience and positive management, including the emerging Local Nature Recovery Strategy and approaches to implementing biodiversity net‑gain requirements.
• Overseeing specialist advice for planning, infrastructure and land management.
• Ensuring the provision of data systems to monitor the state of Devon’s environment and inform decision‑making.
• Leading our involvement in key environmental partnerships, including the Devon Local Nature Partnership.
• Promoting sustainable access and community engagement with Devon’s natural environment.
• Your leadership will drive efforts to protect and restore Devon’s natural environment and sustain Devon as a frontrunner in nature recovery and environmental resilience.
• DCC embraces the positive benefits of a diverse workforce and is committed to providing an environment that is inclusive and safe. We welcome applications from people who share our commitment to stop discrimination, challenge inequality and promote diversity across Devon. More information can be found on our Equality and Diversity webpages.
• Happy to Talk Flexible Working – The Council offers flexible working arrangements in terms of when and where people work e.g. hybrid working, part‑time, condensed hours etc.
• We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
• This role requires the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English.
• Personal data we collect from you will be processed in accordance with the Applicant privacy notice.
• For more information about Working for Devon please visit our Working for Devon page.
• We cannot consider visa sponsorship at this time. UK Right to Work is required. For further guidance on right to work in the UK, please visit: Work in the UK - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
• Are you passionate about protecting and enhancing the natural beauty and resilience of our landscapes? Do you want to work in a county with two stunning coastlines, five National Landscapes, two World Heritage Sites, a Biosphere Reserve, two National Parks and a strong commitment to environmental leadership? Leadership experience and strong team management skills.
• Expert knowledge in a relevant environmental discipline, with experience in policy development and implementation.
• Good understanding of spatial planning and development management.
• Ability to build partnerships and influence change.
• Strategic thinking and the ability to develop and oversee complex, multi‑disciplinary environmental projects.
• About Devon County Council: Local Authority in the South West of England, serving a population of over 750,000. The authority supports those in greatest need; promotes health and wellbeing; maintains Devon’s huge road network; supports the economy; disposes of Devon’s waste; offers library and heritage services; and promotes a superb natural environment. Local Authority in the South West of England, serving a population of over 750,000. The authority supports those in greatest need; promotes health and wellbeing; maintains Devon’s huge road network; supports the economy; disposes of Devon’s waste; offers library and heritage services; and promotes a superb natural environment.