At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and coordinate efforts to recover Protected Sites and improve site conditions.
- Company: Join Natural England, a leader in environmental conservation and sustainability.
- Benefits: Flexible working, generous leave, training opportunities, and a supportive work culture.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to inclusivity and environmental impact.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in protecting England's natural heritage while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in leading teams, knowledge of UK ecology, and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
This role co-leads and coordinates Protected Sites delivery across the Area Team, with a primary focus on SSSI recovery while supporting effective delivery of statutory casework. Working alongside other Senior Officers and closely with the Principal Officer for Protected Areas, the post-holder will align local activity with national priorities identified in Natural England's strategy and will drive forward targeted action to improve site condition and resilience. The role contributes to business planning, commissioning, and oversight of delivery, ensuring that SSSI recovery is embedded across all delivery areas. This includes leading on SSSI Improvement actions, prioritising interventions, and using a variety of approaches to gain a better understanding of the condition of SSSI's across the Area Team. The role promotes innovative and outcome-focused delivery, encouraging appropriate risk-taking while ensuring robust processes are followed and targets and deadlines are met.
Key Responsibilities
- Supporting staff working in land management advice by providing technical guidance and training and ensuring that what the team does supports and reflects the organisation's wider strategy.
- Strong leadership and sound, pragmatic decision making in managing complex casework.
- Lead the planning and delivery of SSSI recovery, setting clear objectives, timelines, and resource needs, and enabling collaboration across Area Team functions.
- Ability to manage risks and issues effectively, with sound judgement on when to escalate to senior management.
- You play an active role in the Area Management Team, using your expertise to help shape and deliver local work by contributing your specialist knowledge, helping design and deliver key place-based projects.
- Excellent project management skills to deliver complex programmes of work.
Qualifications
- Proven experience in leading and collaborating with others to achieve shared outcomes.
- Broad knowledge of Protected Sites in England and the legislation underpinning them.
- Strong knowledge of UK ecology, including priority habitats and species.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong networking and stakeholder management capabilities.
- Demonstrates strong critical problem-solving skills, using sound judgment to evaluate options, assess risks, and make effective decisions.
Benefits
At Natural England, we support a healthy work-life balance by offering full-time, part-time, and flexible working arrangements. We provide excellent opportunities for career progression, training, and development tailored to your role. This includes ten days annually for personal learning and development, plus three additional days for volunteering. You'll receive a generous leave allowance of 25 days per year (pro rata), increasing by one day for each year of service up to 30 days (pro-rata), access to the Civil Service Pension scheme with a 28.97% employer contribution, and a range of benefits such as shopping discounts and a cycle-to-work scheme. Staff can also join the Civil Service Sport club for discounts on sports, leisure activities, and social events.
EEO Statement
We are committed to fairness, equality, and inclusivity. Our employee-led diversity networks help foster a welcoming environment where everyone feels valued and supported.
6586 - Senior Officer for Protected Sites in Reading employer: Natural England
Natural England is an exceptional employer that prioritises a healthy work-life balance and offers flexible working arrangements, making it an ideal place for professionals passionate about environmental conservation. With a strong commitment to employee development, including tailored training opportunities and generous leave allowances, staff are empowered to grow their careers while contributing to meaningful projects that enhance the resilience of Protected Sites across England. The inclusive work culture, supported by employee-led diversity networks, ensures that every team member feels valued and engaged in their vital role.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land 6586 - Senior Officer for Protected Sites in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the industry, attend relevant events, and connect with people on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their goals, especially around Protected Sites, and think about how your experience aligns with their mission. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they’re about.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, but keep it natural. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, especially when discussing your project management skills and leadership experiences.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search. Good luck!
We think you need these skills to ace 6586 - Senior Officer for Protected Sites in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Senior Officer for Protected Sites. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this role involves strong leadership, be sure to provide examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past. We want to see your ability to manage complex casework and drive results.
Highlight Your Technical Knowledge:Demonstrate your understanding of Protected Sites and UK ecology. Mention any relevant legislation or frameworks you're familiar with, as this will show us that you have the expertise needed for the role.
Keep It Clear and Concise:When writing your application, clarity is key! Make sure your points are easy to read and straight to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that get to the heart of your qualifications without unnecessary fluff.
How to prepare for a job interview at Natural England
✨Know Your Protected Sites
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Protected Sites in England, especially SSSIs. Familiarise yourself with the legislation and current strategies from Natural England. This will show that you're not just interested in the role but also understand the bigger picture.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past. Highlight your ability to manage complex casework and make sound decisions. This is crucial for a role that requires strong leadership and collaboration across various functions.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Abilities
Think of specific instances where you've faced challenges and how you tackled them. Be ready to discuss your critical problem-solving skills and how you assess risks and make effective decisions. This will resonate well with the interviewers looking for someone who can manage issues effectively.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Prepare to talk about your experience in networking and stakeholder management. Share how you've built relationships and collaborated with different parties to achieve shared outcomes. This is key for a role that involves working closely with various teams and external stakeholders.
