Biodiversity Officer

Job Introduction

The Biodiversity Team sits within the Countryside Rights of Way Service, Department of Growth at Bradford District Council. As well as managing the most important habitats and designated sites like the Bradford Pennine Gateway National Nature Reserve, Ilkley Moor (part of the South Pennine Moors Special Protection Area, Special Area of Conservation and Site of Special Scientific Interest) the Biodiversity Team advises the council on the Biodiversity Duty, Biodiversity Net Gain, Habitat Banking and Protected Species issues in relation to day to day operations, maintenance and major developments. 

At Bradford we are expanding the Biodiversity Team to conserve, enhance and encourage understanding of nature in the Bradford District. We are looking for a Senior Biodiversity Officer and Biodiversity Officer to join our dedicated team in the Countryside Rights of Way Service, Department of Growth. 

In this role you will have the chance to work to develop and implement management plans of West Yorkshire’s first National Nature Reserve; the Bradford Pennine Gateway NNR. You will work with the Countryside and Parks Teams on management of rural and urban green spaces from the city of Bradford to the rural South Pennine Moors, carrying out ecological surveys as necessary.

You'll work with and advise the team responsible for Bradford's biodiversity focused, multi-award winning city regeneration work and work with colleagues on the delivery of the Nature Towns and Cities. You will influence development, through development management process, in one of the youngest districts in England from major infrastructure schemes to local and small scale development. You’ll help Bradford to develop its habitat bank from site baseline surveys, management plans to monitoring and reporting on habitat improvements. You’ll be able to work with partners in the voluntary and conservation sector, statutory organisations, the other West Yorkshire local authorities and local groups and individuals. You’ll be able to develop your skills and experience in the areas of ecology, ecological management and public engagement that interest you the most. This role is an opportunity to make a real difference in our vibrant and diverse city. 

The main responsibilities of this role:

• To support the implementation of the Council’s Biodiversity Duty as set out in the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006.
• Commenting on planning applications and advising applicants on complying with nature conservation legislation.
• Monitor implementation of Biodiversity Net Gain and protected species provision relating to developments.
• Advise council departments on management of designated sites (SSSI, SPA, SAC, NNR, LNR, LWS) and green space including contributing to management plans and overseeing implementation.
• Work on Bradford’s habitat bank from baseline survey and contribute to management and monitoring plans to oversee implementation.
• Support and advise local conservation and friends of groups to develop conservation projects (including new designated sites) and engage with the wider public to increase awareness and understanding of nature. 

Whilst there is lots going on in the Biodiversity Team, we a looking for the right candidates to help us deliver our work and in turn we can support your working requirements with home working, flexible hours and a supportive team.