JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Title:
Biodiversity Planning Officer
Accountable to:
Wildlife Sites Development Manager
Line management
responsibility for:
Volunteers assisting with planning work, carrying out ecological
surveys and associated data recording and analysis.
Job Purpose:
To protect and enhance the natural environment for the benefit of wildlife in Derbyshire by
ensuring that nature conservation is fully taken into account within the planning system and
to assist in the development of the Local Wildlife Sites network as a means to create a living
landscape in Derbyshire.
Main Responsibilities
1.
To protect and enhance wildlife in Derbyshire
1.1
Provide ecological advice to local authorities on planning policy, wildlife and
environmental legislation and planning applications within agreed standards
and timescales. This may include pre-application discussions, site meetings
and written responses on behalf of the Trust. Seek to secure the most positive
outcome for biodiversity.
1.2
Prepare evidence for, and/or appear at public inquiries on behalf of the Trust or
local planning authority if required.
1.3
Promote best practice in relation to wildlife conservation, surveying and
mitigation in the context of forward planning and associated policies.
1.4
Advise statutory agencies, other organisations, developers, land-owners and
managers on the possible effects of activities or developments on protected
species, species of conservation concern, designated sites or other sites of
proven or potential biodiversity value.
1.5
Monitor the outcome of DWT’s planning work where possible.
1.6
Promote, encourage and assist others in the implementation of positive
management of sites of nature conservation value.
1.7
Identify strategic opportunities for developing, linking and enhancing the
network of wildlife sites to create a living landscape.
1.8
Contribute to the Trust’s objective to inspire the people of Derbyshire about
wildlife by sharing ecological knowledge and experience
2. To assist with the maintenance and development of data on key habitats
and species of nature conservation importance
2.1. Undertake site surveys and assessments to help inform planning and LWS
work.
2.2. Help collect and collate data on key species and habitats to improve their
protection and enhancement.
2.3. Provide assistance, support and/or training to volunteers carrying out ecological
surveys and associated data recording and analysis.
2.4. Assist the Wildlife Sites Development Manager to develop and manage the
Derbyshire Local Wildlife Sites Register and associated information systems, in
accordance with agreed procedures and good practice.
2.5. Provide analysis and interpretation of ecological information to funding partner
organisations as required, and to other organisations and individuals in
response to ad hoc requests and in accordance with the Trust’s procedures
and charging practice.
2.6. Provide training to Trust staff and volunteers, other organisations and members
of the public on subjects including species identification.
3. General Responsibilities
3.1. Promote the work, mission and vision of the Trust at all appropriate times.
3.2. Use every opportunity commensurate with other duties to contribute to the
Trust’s communications, and support its marketing, membership recruitment,
fundraising and engagement of people.
3.3. Ensure a high level of customer service in all dealings with the public.
3.4. Ensure continuous development of skills and knowledge required for the post,
undergoing training and performance review as required by the Trust.
3.5. Work within all the policies and procedures of the Trust, ensuring own
compliance with the Trust’s health and safety policies and procedures and that
of any staff and resources for which you are responsible.
3.6. Comply with all legal and contractual obligations concerning the responsibilities
of your post.
3.7. Assist in the preparation of annual budgets, work programmes and reporting
requirements for your area of work.
3.8. Supervise and support volunteers as appropriate to your role.
3.9. Carry out any other reasonable duties commensurate with the level of
responsibility of the post, as requested by your line manager or the Chief
Executive.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Job Title: Biodiversity Planning Officer
The specifications below are indicated as being essential (E) or desirable (D) for this
post:
Qualifications:
Full driving license (E)
Degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant environmental science (E)
Knowledge and understanding:
Thorough knowledge of development planning law, policy and procedures (E)
Thorough knowledge of the ecology and natural history of the British Isles (E)
Thorough knowledge of lowland habitats and their management (E)
In depth understanding of current biodiversity and nature conservation issues (E)
An understanding of the purpose and functions of Local Wildlife Sites systems (E)
Significant recent and relevant experience, including:
Preparing responses to planning applications and policy consultations (E)
Carrying out ecological surveys (E)
Carrying out or advising on habitat management (E)
Using specialised computer software for biological recording (D), including
Geographical Information Systems (D)
Organising and prioritising a varied workload (E)
Preparing and managing work programmes and budgets (D)
Skills: The post holder will need:
Good botanical identification skills (E)
To be able to analyse information, draw conclusions and make recommendations (E)
Excellent written and verbal communication skills (E)
Personal Qualities:
Personable and sociable with the ability to engage effectively with colleagues,
partners, clients and the wider community(E)
Able to work co-operatively as part of a small team (E)
Accurate and methodical (E)
A commitment to wildlife conservation and environmental issues (E)
Some core tasks, including habitat conservation, surveying and data recording work,
require a level of physical fitness which enables the post holder to walk across
difficult terrain, including land which may be wet, rough, uneven and/or steep,
sometimes carrying heavy equipment (E)
JOB CONTEXT
Job Title: Biodiversity Planning Officer
The Biodiversity and Planning Officer is a full time, permanent position currently funded
mainly by annual Service Level Agreements with Local Authorities. The post holder’s work is
focused on ensuring that wildlife is fully taken into account within the planning system in
terms of legislation and policies. Much of the work revolves around the provision of advice
and guidance to planners working within the Local Authorities helping them to assess and
process planning applications to tight timescales.
The post-holder has a significant degree of autonomy and responsibility, sometimes without
the benefit of agreed guidelines. S/he is required to establish and maintain relationships with
people at a senior level in other organisations; and/or to represent the Trust on external
bodies on a regular basis.
The post-holder works closely with the other Wildlife Sites Development Manager, Wildlife
Sites Officer (Planning), Conservation Assistant and Conservation Technical Assistant. the
former two leading on the survey and advisory elements of LWS work. The BPO will also
liaise with other staff and volunteers, other Trusts and The Wildlife Trusts National Office,
members of the public, local authorities and statutory agencies, landowners, tenants,
developers and land agents.
The post holder will be based at the Trust headquarters, currently located in Middleton-byWirksworth. Some evening and weekend working may be necessary. Some travel within
Derbyshire is required, with occasional travel outside Derbyshire and overnight stays. The
post holder is required to provide suitable transport, for which appropriate expenses are
reimbursed.
Staff are expected to work harmoniously with each other and with volunteers, to provide
appropriate assistance and advice to other staff and volunteers when desirable for the
effective undertaking of their respective responsibilities. A willingness to be flexible about
working arrangements and to provide occasional cover for absent staff is essential in order
to maintain organisational effectiveness.
Staff are encouraged to participate in fora and initiatives, relevant to their work, of The
Wildlife Trusts Partnership and other organisations.
About the Trust
Derbyshire Wildlife Trust is the only organisation in Derbyshire working to protect and
enhance wildlife and wild places throughout the county. We are a Registered Charity,
supported by more than 14,000 members. Derbyshire Wildlife Trust is uniquely positioned to
lead change in Derbyshire, being grass roots and local whilst also being part of a strong,
cohesive movement of 47 Trusts with a collective membership of over 800,000.
Our vision is a Derbyshire rich in wildlife, where wildlife moves freely through our
countryside, towns and cities. By restoring, recreating and reconnecting wildlife habitats,
landscapes and communities we are creating living landscapes; areas where wildlife thrives
and communities benefit from the services that healthy ecosystems provide.
We aim to deliver our vision by continually exploring alternative models to achieve our aims
and by instilling a culture of innovation across the whole organisation.
We want to increase our membership, achieving 20,000 members by 2020 (2% of the
population of Derbyshire). We also want to increase our income from other sources,
increasing our total turnover to £2.4million.
The Trust employs 48 staff (equivalent of 33 F/T staff) and, crucially, enjoys the support of
over 560 volunteers. There are three delivery teams; People and Places, Business
Development and Conservation Strategy & Advocacy.
Each delivery team has a
Department Head who reports to the Chief Executive who is responsible for the operations
of the Trust and who, in turn, reports to the Board of Trustees which governs the
organisation. The four delivery teams are supported by a Finance team and an HR &
Support Services team.