Senior Landscape Officer

The Methodist Church in Britain; Huntingdon; Hybrid; GBP 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexitime

Hybrid work model

Benefits page

Job summary

Huntingdonshire District Council is seeking a lead specialist in landscape and biodiversity within Planning Services. The role focuses on assessing planning applications, Environmental Impact Assessments and Biodiversity Net Gain, with responsibility for policy development and expert evidence at appeals.

The successful candidate will advise on biodiversity, nature recovery, and environmental policy, working with developers, consultants and elected members.

Qualifications

• Experience assessing landscape and biodiversity impacts
• Ability to interpret environmental information for professional advice
• Strong understanding of planning policy and legislation

Responsibilities

• Act as council's lead specialist on landscape and biodiversity across planning and environmental matters
• Assess planning applications and development proposals for landscape and biodiversity impacts
• Advise on major planning applications and Environmental Impact Assessments
• Provide technical guidance on landscape and biodiversity issues
• Deliver Biodiversity Net Gain requirements
• Support nature recovery initiatives and Environment Act obligations
• Contribute to environmental policy development
• Represent the council at appeals, inquiries and other proceedings
• Review environmental information and provide clear, well-reasoned advice
• Collaborate with developers, consultants, elected members and external stakeholders
• Present recommendations to senior officers, members and external audiences

Skills

Planning system knowledge

Environmental legislation

Sustainable development

Communication skills

Independent working

Policy guidance

Education

Degree in a relevant subject

Job description

This post sits in the Conservation and Environment team within Planning Services at Huntingdonshire District Council, where the holder acts as lead specialist on landscape and biodiversity. The work centres on assessing planning applications and Environmental Impact Assessments, advising on Biodiversity Net Gain and nature recovery, and shaping environmental policy. The role includes giving specialist evidence at appeals and inquiries, with hybrid working and an expected two office days a week. Right to work in the UK is required, as the council cannot sponsor visas.

What the job involves

• Act as the council's lead specialist on landscape and biodiversity across planning and environmental matters
• Assess planning applications and development proposals for landscape and biodiversity impacts
• Advise on major planning applications and Environmental Impact Assessments
• Provide technical guidance on landscape and biodiversity issues
• Deliver Biodiversity Net Gain requirements
• Support nature recovery initiatives and the council's obligations under the Environment Act
• Contribute to environmental policy development
• Represent the council at appeals, inquiries and other proceedings where specialist evidence is needed
• Review environmental information and give clear, well-reasoned professional advice
• Work with developers, consultants, elected members and external stakeholders to achieve positive outcomes for nature and landscape
• Present recommendations to senior officers, members and external audiences

What's required

Qualifications

• Degree in a relevant subject
• Eligibility for membership of a recognised professional body

Experience

• Experienced landscape, ecology or environmental professional
• Assessing landscape and biodiversity impacts
• Reviewing environmental information and giving professional advice

Skills & knowledge

• Strong understanding of the planning system, environmental legislation and sustainable development
• Communicating complex technical information in a practical, accessible way
• Solution-focused and commercially aware
• Managing competing priorities and working independently when required

Checks & eligibility

• Right to work in the UK

What's offered

• Flexitime to support work-life balance
• Hybrid working model with remote working
• Range of other benefits, set out on the council's benefits page