At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide expert ecological advice to support planning and development in Preston.
- Company: Join Preston City Council, a Living Wage employer committed to biodiversity.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexi time, hybrid working, 30+ days leave, and professional development perks.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in preserving wildlife and enhancing local habitats.
- Qualifications: Degree in ecology or related field with strong knowledge of wildlife legislation.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for career growth and community impact.
The predicted salary is between 39152 - 40777 £ per year.
Location: Town Hall
Salary: £39,152 to £40,777
Post Type: Full Time
Contract Type: Permanent
Closing Date: 23.59 hours GMT on Wednesday 04 March 2026
Reference: DECR02010
Development and Housing Directorate. Preston sits at the heart of Lancashire and is an area rich in wildlife and home to varied habitats and landscapes. Preston City Council's Planning team is looking for a Biodiversity Officer to help the Council in providing specialist ecological advice across a range of functions, particularly development management and forward planning.
As the Council's Biodiversity Officer, you will help deliver a high-quality Ecology service in a way that contributes to the achievement of the Council's priority for delivering a growing and vibrant city. We are looking for an enthusiastic and dedicated person as our Biodiversity Officer. You must have strong technical knowledge of ecological issues and hold a relevant qualification to degree level and have working knowledge of wildlife and the relevant legislation and policy in place to protect and enhance it.
Individuals should have experience of providing high quality, clear and coherent ecological advice, particularly within planning, with strong collaborative working and influencing skills.
As an employer, we like to thank our employees for their hard work and commitment by giving them the opportunity to access a range of employee benefits including:
- Flexi time
- Hybrid working
- A minimum of 30 days’ annual leave (plus Bank Holidays)
- Family friendly policies
- Access to an Employee Assistance Programme
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- AVC’s
- Life assurance scheme
- Payment of professional fees
- Discounted parking, bus and rail fares
- A cycle to work scheme
- Access to a healthcare insurance scheme
International Sponsorship – this role is not open to international sponsorship.
We are a Living Wage employer.
Biodiversity Officer in Preston employer: Preston City Council
Contact Detail:
Preston City Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Biodiversity Officer in Preston
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the biodiversity and planning sectors. Attend local events or join online forums to connect with people who can give you insights or even refer you to opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your ecological knowledge and relevant legislation. We recommend practising common interview questions related to biodiversity and planning, so you can showcase your expertise confidently.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, send a thank-you email expressing your appreciation for the opportunity. It shows your enthusiasm and keeps you fresh in their minds.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance at landing that Biodiversity Officer role. We make it easy for you to showcase your skills and experience directly to the hiring team!
We think you need these skills to ace Biodiversity Officer in Preston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Biodiversity Officer role. Highlight your relevant qualifications and experience in ecology, and don’t forget to showcase your knowledge of wildlife legislation and policy!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about biodiversity and how your skills align with the Council's goals. Keep it engaging and personal – we want to see your enthusiasm!
Showcase Your Experience: When detailing your experience, focus on specific examples where you've provided ecological advice or worked collaboratively in planning. We love seeing clear, coherent examples that demonstrate your expertise!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Preston City Council
✨Know Your Ecology Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your ecological knowledge before the interview. Familiarise yourself with local wildlife, habitats, and relevant legislation. Being able to discuss specific examples of how you've applied this knowledge in previous roles will really impress.
✨Showcase Your Collaborative Skills
As a Biodiversity Officer, you'll need to work closely with various teams. Prepare examples of past experiences where you've successfully collaborated or influenced others. This will demonstrate your ability to work effectively within a team and contribute to the Council's goals.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you'd handle specific situations related to biodiversity and planning. Think about potential challenges you might face in the role and how you would address them. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the Council's current biodiversity initiatives or future projects. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand how you can contribute to their vision.