Senior Biodiversity & Countryside Officer

Epsom & Ewell Borough Council; Byfleet; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Epsom & Ewell Borough Council is seeking a Senior Countryside Officer to lead biodiversity monitoring and habitat management across our Local Nature Reserves. You will help develop site management plans, coordinate volunteers and collaborate with partners to deliver conservation outcomes.

The role combines strategic planning, ecological expertise and hands-on countryside management, with occasional after-hours work and the opportunity to drive nature recovery and community engagement in the

Qualifications

• Degree or higher in Countryside Management, Ecology or related field.
• At least three years' relevant professional experience.
• Experience supervising volunteers or project teams.
• Strong skills in ecological survey work and biodiversity monitoring.
• Experience identifying and managing native flora and fauna.
• Experience writing habitat or site management plans and technical reports.
• Experience managing ecological data, databases and GIS.
• Knowledge of UK wildlife and habitat protection legislation.
• Experience organising and leading volunteer activities.
• Excellent communication, presentation and partnership-working skills.
• Full UK driving licence.
• Flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends,
• Membership of CIEEM or another relevant professional body.
• Protected species survey licences.
• Chainsaw qualifications.
• Current First Aid qualification.
• Experience of project management, contractor supervision and partnership development.
• Knowledge of planning policy and biodiversity requirements within the planning system.

Responsibilities

• Lead biodiversity monitoring and ecological survey programmes.
• Prepare and deliver management plans for Local Nature Reserves and Sites of Nature Conservation Importance.
• Supervise and develop teams of volunteers for biological monitoring and conservation work.
• Manage grazing projects and habitat management programmes.
• Procure and supervise contractors delivering countryside management.
• Support biodiversity considerations within planning and development management processes.
• Develop and maintain partnerships with organisations, community groups and conservation bodies.
• Secure and help deliver grant-funded and agri-environment projects.
• Produce interpretation materials, web content and educational resources.
• Deliver guided walks, talks, events and environmental education activities.
• Assist with day-to-day operation of the Countryside Team office and reserve management activities.

Skills

Ecological monitoring

Volunteer supervision

Project management

Biodiversity surveys

Public engagement

Stakeholder collaboration

Data handling & GIS

Education

Degree in Countryside Management or Ecology

Tools

GIS

Job description

Epsom & Ewell Borough Council is seeking a Senior Countryside Officer to lead biodiversity monitoring and habitat management across our Local Nature Reserves. You will help develop site management plans, coordinate volunteers and collaborate with partners to deliver conservation outcomes.

The role combines strategic planning, ecological expertise and hands-on countryside management, with occasional after-hours work and the opportunity to drive nature recovery and community engagement in the