Biodiversity Project Officer in Crawley

About the role

Are you passionate about protecting nature and creating thriving green spaces? Do you want the opportunity to shape biodiversity policy across an entire borough, engaging with leaders and elected members to leave a lasting environmental legacy? We are looking for a Biodiversity Project Officer to help deliver our ambition to make Crawley cleaner, greener, healthier and more resilient. This is an exciting opportunity to establish habitat banks and innovative nature-recovery initiatives and ensure nature recovery is embedded in our development and planning processes.

Working within our Sustainability team, you will work with Parks and Conservation, Built Environment and Planning teams to help deliver ambitious action plans focused on halting biodiversity loss, improving habitats, and increasing the value of green spaces for our residents.

You will:

• Lead on Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) delivery for council-led development projects
• Undertake or commission ecology and habitat surveys
• Develop and oversee biodiversity management plans
• Support the creation of a borough-wide biodiversity action plan
• Establish and progress habitat banks and attract investment in green infrastructure
• Work collaboratively with colleagues, communities and external partners to maximise biodiversity outcomes
• Identify and secure external funding and grants

Specific Duties:

• Lead the design of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) plans for the council’s own housing and infrastructure developments and planning applications, working with the Built Environment team, Neighbourhood Services team and the Local Planning Authority to reduce the risk of delays to housing delivery and the cost of applications.
• Carry out biodiversity surveys (or commission surveys from external consultants) as needed to identify habitats and species on council development sites and green spaces.
• Oversee the development and management of on-site BNG plans, working with Neighbourhood Services to reduce the risk of delays to the council’s housing and infrastructure projects and ensuring BNG funds generated from housing development in Crawley is reinvested in biodiversity in Crawley.
• Explore and progress opportunities for BNG habitat banks on council-owned land to provide a legacy of long-term protection for public green spaces in Crawley, working with colleagues in Neighbourhood Services and the Parks and Conservation teams to develop a business case to identify payback and justify financial investment.
• Explore grant funding opportunities and work with others to prepare and submit applications, and managing successful bids.
• Support the development of an area-wide Biodiversity Action Plan setting out how the council will halt the loss of biodiversity in Crawley in accordance with the Council’s Nature Emergency Declaration.
• Enable the Council to deliver on its statutory duty and policy objective of halting the loss of biodiversity in Crawley by 2030.
• Support the development of plans for climate adaptation to reduce the impact of extreme heat and surface water flooding which are significant risks for the borough.
• Ensure the Council has skills and capacity needed to deliver long-term protection of green spaces and maximum quality of life benefits for residents.
• To carry out such duties as the line manager may, from time to time reasonably require.

The post holder may be required to work outside in all weather conditions and capable of moving on foot & standing still for long periods of time on different surfaces and possess the ability to perform physically demanding tasks as a regular part of the job. To carry out all duties in accordance with relevant legislation, Council policies, procedures and standards. To actively promote the Council’s Corporate Equality Statement and demonstrate the standard of conduct which prevents discrimination taking place. To ensure full compliance with the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, the Council’s Health and Safety Policies and Procedures and all locally agreed safe methods of work. To share the council’s commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk as outlined in the CBC Safeguarding Policy. To ensure that all duties are carried out in compliance with both environmental legislation and a commitment to the Council’s Environment Policy.

You will also liaise with ecologists across the region to help deliver local nature recovery strategies. This role will include outdoor site work and engagement with a wide range of stakeholders, offering a varied and hands-on working environment. We are looking for someone who can combine technical ecological expertise with strong communication and project delivery skills.

You will bring:

• A strong understanding of biodiversity, habitat management and ecological planning
• Knowledge of Biodiversity Net Gain, the Environment Act 2021 and planning policy
• Experience in applying BNG metrics and delivering biodiversity enhancements
• Experience of undertaking and commissioning ecological surveys and producing clear, accessible reports
• Experience working with stakeholders and managing environmental projects
• A degree (or equivalent experience) in ecology, environmental management or a related field

You’ll also be highly organised, proactive and able to work independently while contributing positively to a collaborative team environment.

Additional information: Fixed term contract for two years (with potential for extension if funding allows). Ability to travel independently around the borough to undertake site visits is required. We operate a flexible hybrid working model, typically combining site visits, office collaboration and home working.

Employee benefits: We offer a generous employee benefits package, with a range of discounts, benefits and wellbeing incentives to suit everyone. At Crawley Borough Council, you will have access to a structured programme of learning from day one, designed to help you succeed in your role and grow your career.

Safer Recruitment: Crawley Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We want to be an inclusive and diverse employer of first choice reflecting the community we serve and particularly welcome applications from all underrepresented groups.