Biodiversity Officer - Reed : Job Details

We are working with Kirklees Council to find a Biodiversity Officer on an interim basis. • Hourly rate: £20-£30 per hour PAYE dependent on experience. Please let me know your hourly rate expectations. • Location: Huddersfield• Job Type: Interim (3-6 months), Full time, Hybrid (1-2 days in the office)We are seeking a Biodiversity Officer to join our Conservation and Design team in West Yorkshire. This role is crucial for addressing significant environmental challenges and contributing to our innovative and creative work approach. The successful candidate will play a strategic role in delivering Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) through the planning system, focusing on the requirements of the Environment Act 2021.Day-to-day of the role:• Provide ecological advice on pre-application discussions and planning applications.• Input into the Council’s Local Plan and policies concerning ecological issues.• Respond to biodiversity enquiries, advising on planning permissions and procedures.• Discuss, consult, and negotiate on proposals; prepare reports and recommendations on planning applications.• Provide expert advice on BNG requirements and use Biodiversity Metrics for assessments.• Assist in drafting S106 agreements, planning conditions, and other legal agreements related to ecology and BNG.• Support the development of habitat banks, Local Nature Recovery Strategy, and Supplementary Planning Documents.• Participate in West Yorkshire Local Authority partnerships to implement BNG and Local Nature Recovery Strategies.• Research developments and legislation changes impacting the natural environment and develop reports and recommendations.Required Skills & Qualifications:• Relevant qualification in ecology or a related subject, or significant experience in the field.• Experience dealing with biodiversity and wildlife conservation in relation to Development Management.• Knowledge of wildlife law, policy, and procedures related to Development Management.• Experience in undertaking and interpreting BNG assessments, including the completion of a DEFRA-based biodiversity metric.• Strong IT skills with proficiency in Word, Excel, Access, and specific ecological IT packages.• Excellent written communication skills for clear report and documentation production.• Numeracy skills for accurate financial and arithmetical calculations.• Membership of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM) is essential.