At a Glance
- Tasks: Advise on environmental impacts of planning applications and develop strategies for nature recovery.
- Company: Join a leading environmental organisation dedicated to protecting nature and enhancing communities.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities to work on high-profile projects and collaborate with diverse stakeholders.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in environmental conservation and connect people with nature.
- Qualifications: Relevant degree and experience in land use planning and ecology.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
This position is based at Tyneside House, Newcastle-upon-Tyne.
Job Description
You will be delivering the Government’ new Environmental Improvement Plan by advising Local Planning Authorities on the environmental impacts of Local Plans and individual planning applications.
You will also help to develop new approaches to manage pressures like recreational disturbance and water pollution.
By engaging early with major developments, we have the opportunity to work collaboratively to avoid negative impacts to the natural environment, provide appropriate mitigation and secure large scale environmental outcomes which benefit nature and people’s connection with nature.
This is a rewarding role with fantastic opportunities to secure positive environmental outcomes on the ground and to further our Nature Recovery Network.
You will have the opportunity to work on a wide variety of high-profile cases that will lead to positive outcomes for the natural world.
- Key Tasks/Principal Accountabilities
- Providing statutory advice to Local Planning Authorities and other statutory consulters on the environmental impacts and opportunities of planning proposals and Local Plans.
- Providing advice on Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects.
- Working to deliver High Risk and High Opportunity plans and casework, coordinating the provision of advice from across Natural England, building expertise to deliver quality‑assured and robust advice on major plans and projects.
- Build partnerships with customers and stakeholders to resolve complex planning issues to support nature recovery, often through use of chargeable services that support better environmental outcomes.
Supporting NE nature recovery goals including use of net gain, nutrient mitigation plans, provision of high quality green and blue infrastructure, and creating opportunities for better connections between people and nature.
- Ensure individual casework targets for consultations are met and record all actions.
Delivering timely, high quality, pragmatic and legally sound advice to authorities and developers in the Area Team geography.
- Knowledge, Skills & Experience
- A good knowledge of, and experience in, land use planning.
- Strong planning, prioritisation, and organisational ability to manage complex delivery areas with competing demands.
- Excellent written and oral communications skills.
- Robust and current knowledge of relevant legislation and guidance and how to apply and interpret it to NE’s activities and duties.
- Strong understanding of environmental protection in England and the legislation that underpins it.
- Demonstrable experience of UK ecology with a broad understanding of priority habitats and species.
- Technical Skills and Knowledge
- Relevant degree or equivalent qualification and experience. (Essential)
- Applied knowledge and/or experience of using the planning system to secure positive outcomes for landscapes, people and nature, including nature recovery, landscape enhancement, and the delivery of green and blue infrastructure (Essential)
- Knowledge and/or practical experience of strategic planning, development management and Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs), including application of the Habitats Regulations and associated environmental legislation, to provide pragmatic and proportionate advice that facilitates sustainable development (Essential)
- Strong ecological and landscape expertise, including habitats, protected species and designated sites, providing technical advice on environmental impacts, mitigation, compensation and landscape‑scale enhancement opportunities, with a clear understanding of contributions to Local Nature Recovery Strategies and other strategies (Essential)
- Proven ability to lead the establishment of, and sustain, collaborative partnerships with developers, planning authorities, statutory bodies and wider stakeholders to secure positive environmental outcomes and deliver practical, evidence‑based solutions (Desirable)
- Personal Effectiveness
- Act with integrity, addressing challenging issues and managing conflict through being open and objective (Practitioner)
- Make and explain objective decisions which combine your professional judgement and evidence (Practitioner)
- Progress your personal development and take responsibility for keeping your knowledge and expertise current (Practitioner)
- Putting People at the Heart of the Environment
- Listen to and understand our diverse partners and customers so that you achieve the best outcomes for them and Natural England (Practitioner)
- Nurture trusting partnerships and collaborate to achieve pragmatic outcomes that help deliver Natural England’s vision, mission and aims (Practitioner)
- Understand and explain the outcomes that we seek in your local patch and how these fit in with local and national issues (Basic)
- Work Delivery
- Consider the financial implications of your work and seek income from our products and services (Practitioner)
- Handle data responsibly, understand your role in good governance, and comply with delegations, policies and procedures (Practitioner)
- Manage and deliver your work to meet agreed targets and deadlines (Practitioner)
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Sustainable Development Higher Officer - ( Ref : 6675 ) in Lincoln employer: Natural England
Natural England is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment where employees can contribute to vital ecological projects that impact the future of England's natural landscapes. With a strong emphasis on employee development and collaboration, team members benefit from opportunities for growth and learning while working alongside passionate professionals dedicated to conservation. The supportive culture and commitment to sustainability make this role not only meaningful but also rewarding for those looking to make a difference in the ecosystem.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sustainable Development Higher Officer - ( Ref : 6675 ) in Lincoln
✨Dive into Environmental Networks
Get involved with sustainability-focused organisations and attend their events. Look for local meetups or conferences in environmental management where you can connect with professionals in the field. This can lead to insider info on job openings at companies like Natural England that might not be advertised widely.
✨Show Your Passion with Projects
Consider undertaking personal or community projects that highlight your dedication to sustainability. Whether it's a local clean-up or a carbon footprint assessment, document your findings and results. This not only boosts your portfolio but also shows potential employers like Natural England that you're proactive and serious about the field.
✨Seek Out Green Job Boards
Don’t just rely on general job boards. Explore specific platforms that focus on sustainability and environmental management roles. Websites like EnvironmentJobs and Sustainable Business can be goldmines for full-time positions at companies like Natural England. Keep an eye out for their aggregation of listings!
✨Let Your Online Presence Shine
Make sure your social media and professional profiles reflect your passion for sustainability. Share articles, engage in discussions, and connect with leaders in the field. Your active presence can make a lasting impression on hiring managers at companies like Natural England when they search for candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Sustainable Development Higher Officer - ( Ref : 6675 ) in Lincoln
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Passion for Sustainability:In your cover letter, let your enthusiasm for sustainability shine through. Share any relevant experiences, like projects, volunteer work, or events you've participated in that align with Natural England's values. This position isn't just about meeting qualifications; it's about genuinely caring for the environment and showing us why you're the right fit for Sustainable Development Higher Officer - ( Ref : 6675 ).
Highlight Relevant Qualifications and Experience:Make sure to showcase any specific qualifications, such as degrees in environmental science or certifications in sustainability practices in your CV. We want to see how your academic background and practical experiences align with the job you're applying for, so don’t hold back on anything that demonstrates your expertise in environmental management.
Tailor Your CV to the Role:As we're looking for someone to jump into a full-time role, be specific about previous roles or projects that demonstrate your capabilities in sustainability. Use bullet points to make accomplishments clear, and don’t forget to quantify your achievements wherever possible – it’s all about showing us the impact of your work!
Research Natural England and Reflect It In Your Application:We love candidates who take the time to understand what we're about. Mention specific initiatives or projects that Natural England is known for in your cover letter. This shows us that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely excited about the chance to contribute to our mission in the role of Sustainable Development Higher Officer - ( Ref : 6675 ).
How to prepare for a job interview at Natural England
✨Brush Up on Environmental Legislation
Given that we're diving into sustainability and environmental management, it’s crucial to have a solid understanding of current environmental laws and regulations. Be prepared to discuss how these laws apply to real-world scenarios, as you might face some technical questions about compliance and best practices during your chat with Natural England.
✨Showcase Your Experience with Sustainability Projects
When you're discussing your background, highlight specific sustainability initiatives you've been involved in. Whether it’s a project at university or work experience, sharing measurable outcomes and your role will demonstrate your hands-on skills, which is super important for this full-time role at Natural England.
✨Familiarity with Tools and Software
Make sure you're familiar with any relevant tools or software commonly used in environmental management, like GIS for mapping or data analysis tools. Bring this up in your interview as it shows you’re not only passionate but also prepared to roll up your sleeves and get to work!
✨Connect Your Values with the Company's Mission
Full-time roles are all about team fit, so it’s important to align your personal values with those of Natural England. Be ready to discuss why you're passionate about sustainability and how you can contribute to their mission, as this will really resonate with the interviewers and show that you’re genuinely invested in their goals.
