This is an exciting opportunity to help Basingstoke and Deane address environmental challenges by developing and delivering the council’s natural environment agenda.

Working within the established Natural Environment Team, we are looking for a proven ecologist with an understanding of the planning system to join us as an Assistant Biodiversity Officer.  Working with colleagues, councillors and partners, you will help shape how the council responds to its ecological emergency declaration and delivers its obligations in relation to the planning system.

As a council we recognise the importance of biodiversity having declared an Ecological Emergency in 2019. In March 2024, the council adopted a Biodiversity Strategy to outline how we will affect change in the area to halt the decline and restore biodiversity. In supporting this work, you will be making a real difference to the area.

We’re extremely lucky to have part of the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the rivers Test, Loddon and Enborne, as well as extensive areas of heathland, ancient woodland and chalk downland. The  council is committed to conserving this important resource through its statutory functions such as planning, managing and enhancing habitat on council land, and by working in partnership with others.  You’ll advise on aspects of biodiversity under our development management and planning enforcement functions, ensure obligations are met under the Hedgerow Regulations, and support the council’s monitoring and reporting efforts on key habitats and species across the borough.

We are looking for someone who has a background in biodiversity, with knowledge of relevant legislation, policy, designated sites, habitats and species. Knowledge and experience of habitat management, ecological surveying and GIS is beneficial. Working alongside a multi-disciplinary Natural Environment Team of other ecologists, arboriculturists and landscape architects, you will have a central role in conserving the natural environment and shaping the future development of a borough that is proud to go beyond.

This post is offered on a full-time and permanent basis. The role will combine home, office and on-site working. Some evening and weekend work will also be required.

If you’d like to have an informal conversation about the role, please email Becky Aziz, Principal Biodiversity Officer at rebecca.aziz@basingstoke.gov.uk