Higher Officer: Marine Energy NSIPs (Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects) (Ref: 6272)

Overview

A core part of our work is using cost recovery mechanisms to bring in income. This involves setting up contracts with applicants utilising the Discretionary Advice Service, NSIP statutory charging and Service Level Agreements (SLAs). This is an Operational Higher Officer role delivering and supporting Natural England\’s statutory and discretionary advice on priority energy NSIPs with combined marine and terrestrial elements. The role holder will understand marine planning, licensing and consenting and NE\’s role in the NSIP process, and will have experience of working on marine NSIPs. They will provide support to the NE Areas and Seas Teams preparing for forthcoming examinations and enabling attendance at hearings.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with the Senior Responsible Officer (SRO) to develop and deliver NE advice on priority energy NSIPs with a marine component, including offshore wind, enabling attendance at examinations and hearings.
• Review and advise on Environmental Impact Assessments and Habitats Regulations Assessments (including technical supporting information); work with developers to ensure environmental impacts are fully addressed to achieve the best outcomes for the natural environment.
• Provide statutory advice to competent authorities within specified statutory timeframes.
• Respond to post-consent consultations on discharge of DCO and Marine licence conditions.
• Provide advice to developers to inform survey and monitoring plans and reports through Natural England\’s Discretionary Advice Service.
• Provide chargeable advice through Natural England\’s Discretionary Advice Service (DAS) to maximise early engagement opportunities and better environmental outcomes.
• Identify risks associated with delivery of this work and ensure they are escalated appropriately.
• Support collaborative working between terrestrial and marine colleagues in the Project Teams, sharing learning and identifying opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Participate in relevant internal technical networks, showing leadership and sharing best practice to support strategic approaches and skills development across the wider team.

Application and Assessment

• If you require a reasonable adjustment at interview, notify us at application stage or well in advance of your interview. This vacancy uses competency-based assessment. Competencies include Technical Skills & Knowledge, Work Delivery, Personal Effectiveness, Putting People at the Heart of the Environment, Creating Resilient Landscapes and Seas. When completing the application form present relevant STAR examples unless otherwise indicated.

How to Apply and Selection

• We will assess candidates against the competencies during the selection process. Examples should be given in no more than 250 words for each competency.
• Next Steps: If shortlisted, you’ll be invited to attend an interview via MS Teams or a suitable alternative to give examples for all competencies.
• Successful candidates will be allocated roles in merit order based on interview scores and location preferences where possible.

Additional Information

• A driving licence is desirable but not essential.
• Flexible working patterns will generally be accommodated unless stated otherwise.
• Candidates with disabilities will automatically be put forward to the interview stage provided they satisfy the minimum criteria.
• Criminal record check is required for successful candidates.
• Baseline personnel security standard checks may apply for those working with government assets.
• Natural England supports flexible working and offers development opportunities, pension, and benefits as part of Civil Service terms.

Location and Working Arrangements

Locations: Natural England is adopting hybrid working. Staff are linked to one of our 25 offices across England and expected to access their local office at least once per week. Travel expenses are paid for work-related travel. National team roles can be linked to any Natural England office; Area Team roles are linked to the relevant geographic area. This role will be based in an Area Team and it would be beneficial to have knowledge of the Cumbria, Cheshire or Lancaster areas and to be local to Kendal, Penrith, Manchester or Crewe.

View map of office locations: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/natural-england-office-locations

Natural England – About Us

We are the Government\’s Adviser for the natural environment, delivering the Government’s 25 Year Environment Plan. We aim to protect, enhance and create real environmental outcomes. We are committed to fairness and equality and support an inclusive culture with diverse networks and a Diversity Action Plan.