Open Spaces Biodiversity Officer

El Bichólogo; United Kingdom; Remote; GBP 35,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Professional development

Supportive work environment

Positive community impact

Job summary

St Helens Borough Council is seeking an Open Spaces Biodiversity Officer to protect and enhance biodiversity within the borough. You will lead ecology and trees projects, develop management plans, and monitor habitats, working with contractors and internal teams to deliver biodiversity improvements.

The role requires knowledge of biodiversity legislation, strong communication, and a willingness to work outdoors.

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of biodiversity legislation and Biodiversity Duty.
• Experience with habitat management and ecological monitoring.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Full UK driving licence.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement ecology and biodiversity management strategies to meet Open Spaces Strategy and Climate Change Action Plan targets.
• Provide guidance on best practice for ecology and trees to clients, contractors, and partners.
• Develop conservation management plans for key borough sites and monitor habitats and species.
• Commission site surveys, monitor wildlife sites, and revise management plans with staff and contractors.
• Manage contracts related to environmental projects and biodiversity improvements.
• Support funding bids for ecology, trees, and conservation initiatives.
• Promote biodiversity through council policies and community engagement.
• Provide ecological advice at meetings and events as required.

Skills

Biodiversity legislation

Communication skills

Time management

Outdoor work

Driving licence

Tools

GIS

Microsoft Office

Job description

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!

Responsibilities & Outcomes

• Develop and implement strategies for the management of ecology and biodiversity, contribute to strategies, and deliver targets associated with the Open Spaces Strategy and Climate Change Action Plan to ensure that the Council’s obligations with regard to the conservation and enhancement of biodiversity are met.
• Ensure that the best professional practice for ecology and trees is followed and implemented through advice and guidance to clients, contractors, and any person or organisation involved with activities in open spaces.
• Ensure that key areas within the borough are developed in line with ecological and environmental best practice principles through leading on or contributing to project works relating to ecology and trees, and produce conservation management plans.
• Commission a full survey of current ‘wildlife’ sites, organise and carry out the monitoring of species and habitats of importance, record results, and draw up or revise management plans of these sites working with council staff, external contractors, and stakeholders for the protection of the environment and trees. Monitor and record the usage of the environment, habitats, and facilities.
• Develop and deliver ecological and woodland management plans for sites within the borough, ensuring that successful ecological management regimes are in place with regular monitoring and periods of review. Assist with the development and implementation of Open Spaces management plans and support the work of the Green Flag Awards.
• Manage and monitor environmental and ecology contracts.
• Develop a pipeline of BNG (Biodiversity Net Gain) opportunities within the borough.
• Work with consultants and responsible bodies to develop baseline studies, Habitat Management and Monitoring Plans, register sites, and deliver and monitor the improvements.
• Source and support funding bids for the management and enhancement of sites within the borough for ecology, trees, and conservation.
• Promote and raise awareness of biodiversity and related issues throughout St Helens, raise awareness where appropriate of issues with potential impact on St Helens, and manage and provide support for biodiversity-related projects.
• Provide statutory advice on nature conservation for site use, promote biodiversity through key council planning policies including the requirements of Biodiversity Net Gain as set out in the Environment Act and the Local Plan LPC06 – Biodiversity and Geological Conservation.
• Provide ecological advice at meetings and events as required.
• Analyse survey results and site assessments and produce reports identifying biodiversity enhancement opportunities.
• Provide Open Spaces and biodiversity information and interpretation service.
• Supervise and assist with temporary employment schemes, volunteers, community, and conservation groups in their tasks as required.
• Work flexibly as part of a small team and assist when required other members of the Places Services Operations Team, which will include weekends.
• Support the Liverpool City Region in the implementation of the emerging Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) within St Helens.
• Ensure that the council is aware of and meets its duties under current and future biodiversity legislation.

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

[e-mail]

Interviews are intended to take place on 22nd October.

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

We reserve the right to close the advert early, with sufficient applications.

Be scam aware: St Helens Council will never ask applicants to share payment information or charge recruitment fees when applying for vacancies. If in doubt, contact [e-mail]

Supporting Documents

• Job Description – Open Spaces Biodiversity Officer (PDF, KB)
• Person Specification – Open Spaces Biodiversity Officer (PDF, KB)