At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to enhance biodiversity and implement innovative environmental projects.
- Company: Join Herefordshire Council, a friendly and community-focused organisation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working, and generous annual leave.
- Other info: Great career progression opportunities and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in protecting nature and engaging with the community.
- Qualifications: Experience in ecology or environmental science and strong project management skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Job Title: Natural Environment Team Leader
Hours: 37 hours per week
Salary: £46,142 to £50,269 per annum
Contract: Permanent
Location: Hereford
Closing Date: 24 May 2026
Interview Date: w/c 11 June 2026
The Role
Herefordshire Council is seeking a dynamic and experienced Team Leader for the Natural Environment team.
What will you be doing?
- Lead a multi-award‑winning team and act as the Council’s technical lead on ecology, biodiversity net gain, landscape, trees, open space and nature recovery.
- Manage a team of specialists delivering biodiversity and ecological services.
- Lead the implementation of the Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS).
- Provide expert advice to planning and development teams.
- Oversee the Herefordshire Biological Records Service and Tree Preservation Orders.
- Develop and deliver innovative projects including habitat restoration and species protection.
- Represent the Council in regional and national forums, appeals and media enquiries.
- Manage budgets and funding bids to support environmental priorities.
- Promote community engagement through volunteering and citizen science.
- Support the Nutrient Management Plan for the River Wye and River Lugg.
About You
You will be a confident and collaborative leader with:
- A strategic mindset with the ability to deliver complex environmental programmes.
- Significant experience in one or more of the following: ecology, biodiversity net gain, landscape, trees, open space and nature recovery.
- Significant experience of the UK planning systems.
- Strong stakeholder engagement and project management skills.
- A full driving licence and willingness to undertake site visits.
- A degree in ecology, environmental science, or a related field.
We Offer
A competitive salary, holiday entitlement, and access to our contributory pension and staff benefits scheme.
- Salary range of £46,142 – £50,269 (HC 10).
- Enrolment in the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
- Career progression: clear pathways to progress.
- Annual leave: 31 days per annum (pro rata) plus bank holidays; optional purchase of an additional 10 days per year.
- Flexible working including the potential for job‑sharing, part‑time hours and agile working.
- Employee Assistance Programme: 24/7 access to support and counselling.
- Payment of professional membership fees (based on role requirements).
- Access to a range of retail, leisure, holiday and health benefits.
EQUALITY AND INCLUSION
In line with our commitment to diversity, the following candidates will be interviewed if they meet the essential criteria for the post:
- Those who indicate that they have a disability. This is part of our commitment to the “Disability Confident” scheme.
- Those who indicate in their application that they are an Armed Forces Veteran or Reservist. This is part of our pledge to support the Armed Forces Covenant.
- Those who indicate in their application that they are a Herefordshire care leaver. This is part of our commitment to supporting young people leaving our care.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. If you are offered this position, it will be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service check.
Natural Environment Team Leader in Hereford employer: Hoople
Herefordshire Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With a commitment to environmental sustainability and community engagement, employees enjoy flexible working arrangements, generous annual leave, and clear pathways for career progression, all while contributing to the preservation of Herefordshire's beautiful natural landscape.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Natural Environment Team Leader in Hereford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the environmental sector, especially those connected to Herefordshire Council. Attend local events or forums where you can meet potential colleagues and showcase your passion for biodiversity and ecological services.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interview by brushing up on the Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS). Show us that you know your stuff and can lead innovative projects. We want to see your strategic mindset in action!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just wait for opportunities to come to you. Actively engage with community groups and volunteer initiatives related to ecology and biodiversity. This not only boosts your CV but also shows your commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 4
When you get that interview, be ready to discuss your experience with stakeholder engagement and project management. We love candidates who can demonstrate their ability to manage complex environmental programmes effectively!
We think you need these skills to ace Natural Environment Team Leader in Hereford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Natural Environment Team Leader role. Highlight your experience in ecology, biodiversity, and project management, as these are key areas for us. Use specific examples that align with the job description to show how you fit the bill.
Showcase Your Skills:In your application form, don’t just list your skills—show us how you've used them! Whether it’s leading a team or managing budgets, give us real-life examples that demonstrate your strategic mindset and stakeholder engagement abilities.
Be Clear and Concise:When filling out the application, keep your language clear and concise. We appreciate straightforward communication, so avoid jargon unless it’s relevant. Make it easy for us to see why you’re the right fit for the role!
Follow Up:After submitting your application through our website, don’t hesitate to follow up if you haven’t heard back within a week or two. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and gives us a nudge to check your application!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hoople
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of ecology, biodiversity, and the UK planning systems. Familiarise yourself with Herefordshire's Local Nature Recovery Strategy and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Team Leader, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to manage a team effectively. Prepare examples of how you've led projects or teams in the past, focusing on stakeholder engagement and project management skills.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities in real-world situations. Think about challenges you've faced in previous roles related to habitat restoration or species protection, and how you overcame them.
✨Engage with Community Initiatives
Since community engagement is key for this role, come prepared with ideas on how to promote volunteering and citizen science. Share any relevant experiences where you've successfully engaged communities in environmental projects.
