Open Spaces Biodiversity Officer

St Helens Borough Council; St Helens; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Ongoing professional development

Inclusive work environment

Community impact

Job summary

St Helens Borough Council is seeking an Open Spaces Biodiversity Officer to protect, enhance and promote the borough's natural environment. The role sits in the Environment and Sustainability Team and offers opportunities to lead biodiversity projects, oversee surveys, and support LNRS and BNG initiatives.

Applicants from ecology and conservation backgrounds are welcome, with a focus on delivering strategies, engaging communities and developing partnerships to secure investment in biodiversity,

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of biodiversity legislation and Biodiversity Duty.
• Knowledge of local strategies and policies.
• Experience with habitat management and monitoring plans.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organisational and time management abilities.
• IT proficiency including Word, Excel, and GIS.
• Willingness to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
• 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

Policies & strategies

Habitat management

Communication skills

Organisation & time management

IT & GIS

Outdoor work

Driving licence (UK)

Tools

GIS software

Job description

Are you passionate about protecting and enhancing biodiversity and improving natural habitats? Join St Helens Borough Council as an Open Spaces Biodiversity Officer and play a key role in protecting, enhancing and promoting the natural environment.

We are seeking a proactive Open Spaces Biodiversity Officer with a strong knowledge of habitat management and biodiversity net gain legislation and practice to join our Environment and Sustainability Team. This is an exciting opportunity to make a real impact by protecting and enhancing St Helens' natural environment.

We welcome applicants from a range of backgrounds. Whether you are a graduate, experienced in ecology and conservation, or looking to build your career in biodiversity, you'll share our passion for the natural environment and making a positive difference!

Making a Difference

Whatever stage of your career, working in the public sector puts you at the heart of communities. Our workforce provides services to our resident's day in and day out, making a positive impact on people's lives. We could not do this without the dedication, professionalism and strength of our workforce. There are so many reasons to choose to work at St Helens Council including the fantastic range of employee benefits and rewards on offer.

What You’ll Be Doing:

• 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.

What You’ll Bring

• 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 Microsoft Word, Excel and other Office applications, plus experience using GIS or other mapping software.
• Willingness to work outdoors in all weather conditions (e.g. ecological surveys)
• A full UK driving licence.

Why Join Us?

At St Helens Borough Council, we’re committed to delivering high-quality, customer‑focused services that support a cleaner, greener future. You’ll be part of a forward‑thinking team that values innovation, collaboration, and community impact.

We offer:

• Ongoing professional development
• A supportive and inclusive work environment
• The opportunity to make a real difference in your community

Interviews are intended to take place on 22nd October.

Full Job Description & Person Specification Documents are included with this advert.

Equality & Diversity

We encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds, who share our values, our commitment to inclusion, and who will help us on our journey to transform our organisation. The Council guarantees an interview to disabled applicants who demonstrate that they meet the essential criteria for the job, as detailed on the Person Specification, and will, for qualifying disabled candidates, make reasonable adjustments within selection.

All Council employees are required to abide by the ethical standards embodied by the 7 Nolan Principles.

St Helens Council is officially recognised as one of the region's leading fair employers, achieving accredited status under the Liverpool City Combined Authority Fair Employment Charter. The Charter recognises the ongoing commitment to fair pay, secure work, training & progression & staff well‑being whilst celebrating employers who go above and beyond for their workforce providing an inclusive and supportive environment.