At a Glance
- Tasks: Help improve biodiversity in Hackney's parks and engage with the community on exciting projects.
- Company: Hackney Council, dedicated to enhancing green spaces and community involvement.
- Benefits: 12-month contract, flexible working options, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Opportunity for personal growth and to work in a vibrant, diverse community.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and contribute to preserving nature in urban environments.
- Qualifications: Experience in biodiversity projects, community engagement, and excellent communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 € per year.
12 Month Fixed Term Contract/Secondment Opportunity. We know that staff are key to our success and we are seeking people with ambition, creativity and commitment to our values to help us achieve the best for the people of Hackney. The London Borough of Hackney has the largest expanse of green spaces in inner London. We have 58 parks, gardens and open spaces ranging from the largest concentration of football pitches in Europe at Hackney Marshes, to the beautiful historic setting of Springfield and Clissold parks. 33 of our parks have been awarded the prestigious Green Flag Award.
Based within our Climate, Homes and Economy directorate, our Leisure, Parks and Green Spaces Service ensures that all of Hackney’s parks and green spaces are safe, accessible for all and inviting to use. We require the services of a Biodiversity Officer to work in our Parks Development team on a 12 month fixed term contract, covering maternity leave. You will assist the Parks Development Manager and Grounds Maintenance Team to deliver the park-related elements of the Council’s recently adopted Local Nature Recovery Plan.
You will understand the importance of biodiversity in an inner city environment and will help ensure biodiversity improvements get support from politicians, stakeholders and the wider community. Working as a Biodiversity Officer in Hackney provides unique opportunities to work closely with a number of stakeholders to improve habitats for nature and wildlife across the borough. You will be involved in developing physical improvements to our parks. You will liaise with the community to develop a series of biodiversity-related park improvement projects across a number of sites.
You will have experience working in a similar role, including some knowledge of running biodiversity-related volunteering projects. You will ideally have demonstrable budget management, project management and fundraising experience, plus excellent communication skills. Experience working with the community is vital, preferably working with park user groups.
A self-starter able to work on your own initiative or part of a team, you will be comfortable working outside normal working hours and willing to work across the borough. As a Council, our most outstanding asset is our staff, who are highly dedicated to serving our residents and committed to our goals as an organisation.
If you want to work in a place where you can represent our values so we achieve the best for our residents, please click on the apply button below. We operate a fair and open anonymous selection process. Therefore, we do not accept supporting statements or CVs. To proceed with your application, you will need to create an account and submit your application. As part of the application process, you will need to complete a number of competency based questions. These questions allow you to demonstrate your suitability for the role and provide examples of your skills, knowledge and experience outlined in the job description.
We understand the benefits of using AI in the workplace. However, if you are thinking of using this tool to submit your application, we ask you to think about what value it will add. AI tools tend to lack the personal touch and authenticity we value in candidates. We encourage you to showcase your unique knowledge and skills using your own voice. This application process replaces a supporting statement.
Prior to applying for a vacancy for a secondment opportunity, please liaise with your line manager and inform them of your interest in applying for the role. Closing date for applications: 15 March 2026 (22:59). Interview date: w/c 30 March 2026.
We are also working towards our vision, which is to be a place for everyone; where residents and staff can be proud; a place that celebrates diversity and where everyone can feel valued, included and involved. In order to achieve this, we look for people who are: Proud; Ambitious; Pioneering; Open; Proactive; Inclusive.
Hackney Council works to eradicate discrimination on the basis of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation. We also recognise that people can be disadvantaged by their social and economic circumstances, so we will also work to eliminate discrimination and disadvantage caused by social class. We also welcome those interested in flexible working. We particularly welcome applications from disabled people, as this group is currently under represented in our workforce.
The Council has a dedicated employment support service (Hackney Works), which offers Hackney residents guidance in relation to applying for jobs. If you are thinking about applying for a job, please contact the Hackney Works team to find out what support is available: hackneyworks@hackney.gov.uk
Biodiversity Officer employer: London Borough of Hackney
Working as a Biodiversity Officer for Hackney Council offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the enhancement of the borough's green spaces, which are among the largest in inner London. The Council is committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive work culture, providing employees with opportunities for professional growth and community engagement. With a focus on collaboration and innovation, you will be part of a dedicated team that values ambition and creativity, ensuring that your efforts directly benefit the local community and environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Biodiversity Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Research Hackney Council and their values. Understanding their mission will help you tailor your responses during the interview and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference in the community.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those competency-based questions! Think of specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your skills in biodiversity, project management, and community engagement. We want to see how you've made an impact before!
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn to gain insights about the role and the team. They might share tips that could give you an edge during the interview process.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, make sure to showcase your unique voice and passion for biodiversity – we love authenticity!
We think you need these skills to ace Biodiversity Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself:When filling out your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your unique experiences and insights related to biodiversity.
Showcase Your Skills:Make sure to highlight your relevant skills and experiences that align with the role. Think about your project management, community engagement, and budget management skills, and provide specific examples!
Answer Competency Questions Thoughtfully:Take your time with the competency-based questions. They’re your chance to demonstrate how your past experiences make you a great fit for the Biodiversity Officer role. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
Apply Through Our Website:Remember to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it’s super easy to create an account and submit your details.
How to prepare for a job interview at London Borough of Hackney
✨Know Your Biodiversity Basics
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of biodiversity, especially in urban settings. Understand the key elements of the Local Nature Recovery Plan and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to its goals. This will show your passion and commitment to the role.
✨Showcase Your Community Engagement Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully worked with communities or park user groups in the past. Highlight any volunteering projects you've managed and how you engaged stakeholders. This will demonstrate your ability to connect with the community and drive biodiversity initiatives.
✨Demonstrate Project Management Experience
Be ready to talk about your project management skills, particularly in relation to budget management and fundraising. Think of specific projects you've led, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them. This will help illustrate your capability to manage park improvement projects effectively.
✨Embrace the Values of Hackney Council
Familiarise yourself with the values of Hackney Council and be prepared to discuss how you embody these traits. Whether it's being proud, ambitious, or inclusive, showing that you align with their vision will make a strong impression during your interview.
