At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead transformative nature recovery projects and empower communities in Plymouth.
- Company: Join Plymouth City Council, a leader in environmental innovation.
- Benefits: Flexible working arrangements and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity to work in a collaborative and innovative environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a pioneering team driving change for nature and community wellbeing.
- Qualifications: Degree in natural environment or related field; experience in project delivery.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 € per year.
Fixed Term Contract for 2 years Grade H-I
Are you ready to manage transformative change for nature and communities in one of the UK’s most ambitious cities for environmental innovation? Plymouth City Council is seeking a dynamic Natural Environment Principal to drive forward pioneering work enhancing nature and empowering communities across the City. The role will drive work to secure enhancements for nature in Local Nature Reserves and strategic green spaces alongside communities and partners. It will play a key role in designing, fundraising for and delivering nature‑based solutions that will maximise the benefits for health and wellbeing, skills development, climate resilience, recreation and businesses.
What You’ll Do
You will support the development and coordination of key functions linked to nature recovery across the city, helping to deliver a joined‑up approach to biodiversity, access and environmental resilience. This is a varied and evolving portfolio of work, bringing together ecological expertise, project delivery, partnership working and funding development. You will play a key role in maximising the value of the Council’s natural estate, delivering measurable biodiversity improvements as a catalyst to support wider city priorities.
Key Responsibilities Will Include
- Ecological leadership and support – acting as a lead practitioner within the team, providing ecological advice and supporting the development of best practice
- Habitat bank delivery – supporting the development, promotion and delivery of the Ocean City Nature habitat bank, including helping to implement site enhancements and monitoring outcomes
- Planning and policy input – contributing ecological expertise to Local Plan development process, supporting the integration of biodiversity and nature recovery priorities
- Nature recovery coordination – supporting the development and delivery of statutory obligations including Local Nature Recovery Strategy, Plymouth Nature Recovery Network and Environmental Improvement Plan
- Natural Environment data and monitoring – coordinating the collection and use of data to inform decisions, track progress and evidence outcomes
- Site and reserve management – lead with others in the development and delivery of management plans for Local Nature Reserves and other sites, including identifying opportunities for blended funding to support biodiversity and access improvements
- Habitat creation and enhancement – coordinating and supporting delivery of habitat creation, restoration and maintenance programmes across Council‑owned land
- Team and Partnership delivery – working collaboratively with partners, including the National Trust, to support delivery of the Urban Pioneer Partnership including joint working with National Trust Rangers across key sites
- Funding and innovation – contributing to the development of funding opportunities, including supporting bids and identifying new income streams to enable nature recovery work
- Proven ability to lead and deliver complex projects from inception to completion, including planning, risk management, stakeholder coordination, and achieving outcomes on time and within budget
- Ensuring safe delivery of work across a diverse range of sites, by embedding strong health and safety practices within all programmes
- Overseeing the completion and quality of risk assessments, method statements and safe systems of work for activities across sites and projects
- Promoting a positive health, safety and wellbeing culture across staff, partners, contractors and volunteers, ensuring compliance with Council policies and legal requirements
What You’ll Manage
- Delivery against key strategies and plans, including the Plan for Nature and People and locally driven community plans
- A high‑performing team, working across often challenging environments and alongside community organisations across the city and beyond
- The development and delivery of an innovative programme of nature recovery, promoting wellbeing, tackling inequality, and supporting net zero and climate adaptation ambitions through strong partnership working
- The planning and delivery of programmes of work, including securing external funding and supporting the sustainable, long‑term future of the city’s natural assets
- Strong partnership working, building and maintaining effective relationships with internal teams and external stakeholders across nature recovery and the local economy
- A significant project budget, ensuring sound financial management and effective operational delivery
What You’ll Bring
- A degree in a natural environment or related field.
- Membership (or willingness to work towards) of a relevant professional institute
- Exceptional track record of working with partners and communities to deliver environmental impacts which benefit, people, places and prosperity
- Proven leadership in delivering large scale projects
- Experience of securing funding and awareness of emerging natural capital markets
- Excellent communication skills working with a variety of audiences
- Strategic thinking, and political awareness
- Substantial experience of working with communities, volunteers, and cross‑sector partners to deliver joint outcomes
Why Plymouth?
You’ll be part of Plymouth City Council’s ambitious Natural Environment Service, bringing together groundbreaking work across Communities, Trees, Marine, Nature Recovery and Environmental Operations. Our service brings together a broad range of environmental professionals who collaborate across teams to maximise delivery and impact. Plymouth is nationally recognised as a Nature City, with a strong track record of innovation across climate, nature, people and place. This is a hugely exciting time to join us and help deliver our shared ambitions, most recently published in our Plan for Nature and People. If you’re driven by nature recovery, community impact and healthier, more active places, we’d love to hear from you.
Disclosure & Barring Service Check requirement for this post is: Standard Check. We are a flexible employer and provide a variety of working arrangements tailored to the needs of each role.
Contact: Jerry Griffiths, jerry.griffiths@plymouth.gov.uk
Please note, this role is not eligible for visa sponsorship and we can only consider applicants with existing right to work in the UK.
Closing date Sunday 31 May 2026
Expected interview dates 10th, 11th and 12th June 2026
Plymouth City Council is an equal opportunities employer. All applicants will be considered for employment regardless of age, care experience, disability, gender reassignment, marriage/civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity, race, religion/belief, sex or sexual orientation. As part of our commitment to promoting equality we offer guaranteed interviews to those who meet the essential criteria and are considered disabled, care‑experienced or an Armed Forces Service Leaver within the last two years.
Natural Environment Principal (Nature Recovery) in Plymouth employer: PLYMOUTH CITY COUNCIL
Plymouth City Council is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead transformative environmental initiatives in one of the UK's most innovative cities. With a strong commitment to employee growth, a collaborative work culture, and a focus on community impact, you will be part of a dynamic team dedicated to enhancing nature and wellbeing across Plymouth. The Council promotes flexible working arrangements and values diversity, ensuring a supportive environment for all staff.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Natural Environment Principal (Nature Recovery) in Plymouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the environmental sector, especially those connected to Plymouth City Council. Attend local events or webinars to meet potential colleagues and partners. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job opportunities!
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for nature recovery! When you get the chance to chat with interviewers or at networking events, share your ideas on enhancing biodiversity and community engagement. Let them see your enthusiasm and commitment to making a difference in Plymouth.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching Plymouth's current environmental initiatives. Familiarise yourself with their Plan for Nature and People, and think about how your skills can contribute to their goals. This will show that you're not just interested in the role, but also in the city's vision.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Plymouth City Council. Don’t forget to follow up after applying; a little nudge can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Natural Environment Principal (Nature Recovery) in Plymouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Nature:When writing your application, let your love for the natural environment shine through! Share specific examples of how you've contributed to nature recovery or community projects. We want to see your enthusiasm for making a difference!
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role. Use keywords from the job description to demonstrate that you understand what we're looking for. This helps us see you as a perfect fit!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Avoid jargon and overly complex language. We appreciate clarity, so make it easy for us to see your qualifications and experiences without wading through fluff!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive your details directly. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team at Plymouth City Council!
How to prepare for a job interview at PLYMOUTH CITY COUNCIL
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your ecological knowledge and the latest trends in nature recovery. Familiarise yourself with Plymouth's environmental initiatives and how they align with the role. This will show that you're genuinely interested and ready to contribute.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led projects in the past, especially those involving community engagement or partnership working. Be ready to discuss how you managed challenges and achieved outcomes, as this role requires strong leadership in complex environments.
✨Be a Team Player
Highlight your experience in collaborative settings. Discuss how you've worked with various stakeholders, including local communities and organisations, to deliver impactful projects. This will demonstrate your ability to foster partnerships, which is crucial for this position.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare insightful questions about the role and the council's future plans for nature recovery. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the position aligns with your values and career goals. It’s a great way to engage with the interviewers!
