Senior Officer, Infrastructure - Energy (Ref: 6232)
Senior Officer, Infrastructure - Energy (Ref: 6232)

Senior Officer, Infrastructure - Energy (Ref: 6232)

Full-Time 32000 - 54000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead energy infrastructure projects and advise on national planning policies for a sustainable future.
  • Company: Join Natural England, a leader in environmental conservation and policy development.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, flexible working, and a supportive culture.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on the environment while collaborating with passionate teams.
  • Qualifications: Relevant degree or extensive experience in planning and environmental assessment required.
  • Other info: Hybrid working options and excellent career development opportunities await you.

The predicted salary is between 32000 - 54000 £ per year.

Overview

Do you have a passion for nature and the environment? Do you want to make a real difference and secure significant environmental gains in the present and the future? Do you enjoy working in a team? Can you see yourself advising communities and customers to maximise gains for the Natural Environment?

If this appeals to you, a career at Natural England offers rewarding opportunities to secure environmental improvements and play your part in creating a better future for people and nature.

Role focus and team

The Planning and Infrastructure Team forms part of the Planning for Nature Team, in the Strategy Directorate of Natural England. The team works across the terrestrial and marine environment to:

  • Advise Government on national policy issues, contributing to the development of planning policy, guidance and process changes and responding to national consultations.
  • Provide strategic technical advice and leadership to our programme and operations teams and develop new approaches to planning and infrastructure work.
  • Develop and maintain relationships with key national partners including Government, other regulators and agencies, NGOs and the commercial sector.

Key responsibilities

We are looking for up to 2 Senior Officers to join our team to lead our work on energy infrastructure in the context of the Government\’s Clean Power 2030 Action Plan and Net Zero Mission. The role supports growth in energy sectors including onshore wind, nuclear and solar, and involves advising on strategic national and regional planning for energy and best practice in the sector. You will:

  • Act as sector lead for a key terrestrial energy sector(s): for example onshore energy transmission and distribution networks, nuclear energy and geological disposal of nuclear waste, onshore wind.
  • Provide and co-ordinate technical advice to Defra, DESNZ, MHCLG and other partners to support NE\’s response to infrastructure planning policy and guidance, including responses to national consultations. Build relationships with government departments, infrastructure delivery bodies, developers and industry groups. Act as relationship manager as required.
  • Provide technical infrastructure planning advice to operations teams on casework and environmental assessment processes, particularly around novel/precedent setting issues or where strategic approaches are required.
  • Lead or contribute to technical guidance, standing advice, briefings and training on infrastructure and planning. Work with industry and regulators to develop best practice guidance.
  • Perform horizon scanning to anticipate future development proposals and policy changes and share intelligence with delivery teams to plan workloads.
  • Progress opportunities to increase the evidence base around environmental impacts, addressing key gaps in collaboration with partners.

Note: this role operates in an evolving policy environment with new technologies and industry sectors. The successful candidate(s) should be willing to adapt to changing demands. If you require reasonable adjustments at interview or have considerations for the panel, please notify us at the application stage where possible.

Competencies and selection

This vacancy uses competency-based assessment. Competencies include:

  • Technical Skills and Knowledge
  • Putting People at the Heart of the Environment
  • Creating Resilient Landscapes and Seas
  • Personal Effectiveness

During the application, present relevant examples using STAR format (Situation, Task, Action, Result). If desired, STAR is not required for the Technical Skills & Knowledge competency. Examples should be given in no more than 250 words per competency.

Qualifications and competencies

  • Essential: A relevant degree and/or extensive experience in a related field.
  • Essential: Technical expertise and applied experience of the planning system, legislation, national policy and guidance including the Town and Country Planning System and Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects.
  • Essential: Technical expertise and experience of environmental assessment processes to planning casework (HRA, EIA, SEA).
  • Desirable: Experience of working with key national external partners and stakeholders in infrastructure/planning systems.
  • Desirable: Understanding of the legislative/policy/strategic context of infrastructure and planning work (e.g., 25 Year Environment Plan, Environment Act, National Policy Statements, NPF, Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill).

People, pay and conditions

  • Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
  • Baseline personnel security standard checks where applicable.
  • Hybrid working: a flexible mix of home, office and site locations. Full-time staff attend their associated office at least one day per week.
  • Pay: salary £37,950 plus £10,994 government pension contribution (Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension).
  • Benefits include learning and development opportunities, flexible working options, inclusive culture, Civil Service pension, generous leave (33 days per year pro rata), discounts, cycle to work, childcare vouchers, Civil Service Sport Club, and more.

Natural England is a diverse and inclusive employer that values fairness and equality for all and supports an employee-led Diversity Action Plan. Hybrid locations map and office information are available on the Natural England site.

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Senior Officer, Infrastructure - Energy (Ref: 6232) employer: Natural England

Natural England is an exceptional employer for those passionate about the environment, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to significant ecological advancements while working in a collaborative and inclusive culture. With a strong focus on employee development, flexible working arrangements, and generous benefits including a Civil Service pension and extensive leave, you will thrive in a supportive environment that values your contributions to creating a sustainable future. Join us in making a real difference in the natural world from our hybrid locations across the UK.
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Contact Detail:

Natural England Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Officer, Infrastructure - Energy (Ref: 6232)

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the energy and infrastructure sectors, especially those connected to Natural England. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your STAR technique. Think of specific examples from your past experiences that showcase your skills in technical advice and relationship management. This will help you stand out when discussing how you can contribute to the team.

✨Tip Number 3

Show your passion for the environment! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your enthusiasm for making a difference in the natural world. This will resonate well with organisations like Natural England that value environmental gains.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the team at Natural England and contributing to their mission.

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Officer, Infrastructure - Energy (Ref: 6232)

Technical Expertise in Planning Systems
Environmental Assessment Processes
Knowledge of National Policy and Guidance
Stakeholder Engagement
Relationship Management
Strategic Planning
Advisory Skills
Horizon Scanning
Collaboration with Partners
Understanding of Legislative Context
Project Management
Communication Skills
Adaptability to Changing Demands
Teamwork

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion: Let your love for nature and the environment shine through in your application. We want to see how your passion aligns with our mission at Natural England, so don’t hold back!

Use the STAR Method: When detailing your experiences, remember to use the STAR format (Situation, Task, Action, Result). This helps us understand your thought process and how you tackle challenges, especially in relation to the competencies we’re looking for.

Tailor Your Examples: Make sure the examples you provide are relevant to the role of Senior Officer, Infrastructure - Energy. Highlight your technical expertise and experience in planning systems and environmental assessments to really stand out.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently, plus you’ll find all the info you need about the role there!

How to prepare for a job interview at Natural England

✨Know Your Stuff

Make sure you brush up on the key policies and legislation related to energy infrastructure, like the Clean Power 2030 Action Plan. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're not just interested in the role, but that you understand the bigger picture.

✨Use the STAR Method

When discussing your experiences, use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. This will help you clearly convey how your past experiences relate to the competencies required for the role, especially around technical skills and knowledge.

✨Build Relationships

Since the role involves liaising with various stakeholders, think of examples where you've successfully built relationships in previous roles. Be ready to share how you can foster collaboration between government departments, NGOs, and industry groups.

✨Stay Adaptable

The job operates in an evolving policy environment, so be prepared to discuss how you've adapted to change in the past. Highlight your flexibility and willingness to learn about new technologies and approaches in the energy sector.

Senior Officer, Infrastructure - Energy (Ref: 6232)
Natural England

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