We are seeking a Biodiversity Lead to embed biodiversity considerations into decision making, and take decisive action to protect and enhance the richness of biodiversity in the Borough.

The individual will support multiple high priority projects working closely with different teams – inspiring action across a range of service areas.

Climate Action is a top Council priority, as set out in the 2022 Climate Action Plan to dramatically reduce the carbon emissions in our borough. This is a huge challenge, but we have strong political support and a clear plan of action. Sitting within a new Climate Team this role is an essential addition to the team – to ensure effective implementation of projects and strategies to boost biodiversity, and to ensure nature-based solutions are central to the delivery of the Climate Action Plan.

Work pattern: 

Full time ideally (36 hours), but we will also consider job share requests should there be two successful candidates who both wish to work part time. Please specify in your application.

Location:

Hybrid working including at least 2 days each week at Town Hall, Walthamstow or other locations within the Borough.

WHAT WILL THE BIODIVERSITY LEAD DO?

You will influence change across the organisation and lead the way in sustaining real positive change to biological diversity in the Borough at the critical time of the introduction of Biodiversity Net Gain.

Provide expertise to collate evidence to support new biodiversity strategies such as a Local Nature Recovery Plan and statutory reports.

Strong leadership and vision will help you drive complex programmes and projects, such as those set out in the Council’s 2022 Climate Action Plan.

Championing a strong matrix working approach – working closely with key teams: Climate Emergency, Neighbourhoods: Parks and Open Spaces, Strategic Planning and Design, Area Regeneration Teams and Regeneration and Sustainability.

Implement and support effective participatory strategies for land management, working closely with external partners and engaging communities and diverse interest groups.

What skills and knowledge make a great Biodiversity Lead?

Biodiversity and Climate Action: You are passionate about biodiversity outcomes, with experience working within the broad context of political declarations on climate action and carbon emission targets

Sustaining positive change: Demonstrate successful approaches within challenging urban settings and in organisations with both policy& land management responsibilities

Successful track record: Be effective at delivering projects and innovating to break down barriers, learn & continually improve outcomes.

Policy awareness: Possess an in-depth understanding of Biodiversity Net Gain and related policy and Local Authority obligations

Influential communicator: Strong people leadership skills to influence and inspire people. Desirable to have experience in building excellent relationships with Senior Managers and Members.

Be the expert: Desirable to have Full membership of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM).

Other requirements: A Standard DBS check will be required for this position.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

Waltham Forest is a diverse borough where diversity is valued and is integral to both, service delivery and employment of its staff. The Council is proud of its rich mix of communities and as the largest employer in the area, it works hard to respond to the changing needs of its population. We use our statutory duties on race, gender and disability equality and best practice in respect of age, faith and sexual orientation to ensure equality of opportunity in the workplace. The Council is committed to meeting its 4 equality objectives: – Promoting equality of opportunity – Opposing all forms of discrimination, intolerance and disadvantage – Ensuring our workforce reflects the diverse communities of Waltham Forest at all levels. – Providing fair, appropriate, accessible and excellent Services to all. Respecting Diversity is a core Council value. To support the above and reduce the risk of bias in its recruitment activities, the council is operating an anonymous shortlisting process, which hides personal information that can identify individuals until their application has been considered for shortlisting. The council also operates a scheme whereby, for jobs graded up to and including scale SO2, internal candidates are considered first. This includes those candidates who self-identify as having a disability for the purposes of the Disability Confident scheme. For more information, please refer to our recruitment and selection policy

HOW TO APPLY

Application Information

Application Information The council’s preference is for on-line application forms. However, if you have a disability and are unable to complete an on-line application, please email recruitment@walthamforest.gov.uk so we can arrange an alternative.