Ecology and Biodiversity Officer (London Borough of Tower Hamlets)

We’re seeking an experienced and enthusiastic Ecology and Biodiversity Officer to join the London Borough of Tower Hamlets. This is a full-time, permanent position with hybrid working, ideal for a self-motivated biodiversity specialist with a strong understanding of ecological management, planning policy, and environmental legislation.

Tower Hamlets is a densely populated inner London borough, yet home to diverse habitats and protected species including bats, the Black Redstart, and rare invertebrates like the Brown-banded Carder Bee and Streaked Bombardier Beetle. The borough features two Local Nature Reserves—Mudchute and Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park—both Sites of Metropolitan Importance for Nature Conservation. Other key areas include Mile End Park, the River Thames, River Lea, and various canals. The east of the borough lies within the Lea Catchment Nature Improvement Area.

The Role

You’ll be based within the Sustainable Development Team (Housing and Regeneration Directorate) and work closely with colleagues in Environment, Parks, and Planning. You will serve as a biodiversity consultee in the planning process, ensuring compliance with relevant ecological policies and legislation.

As a confident communicator, you’ll convey complex ecological concepts to technical and non-technical audiences alike, both in writing and in presentations.

Key Responsibilities

  • Provide expert ecological advice to planning officers, councillors, developers, and stakeholders on biodiversity issues and protected species.
  • Ensure biodiversity considerations are embedded in planning applications, proposals, and local policy.
  • Lead the development and implementation of the borough’s Local Biodiversity Action Plan.
  • Contribute to borough-wide strategies, projects, and initiatives that enhance biodiversity and support climate mitigation/adaptation.
  • Identify and advance new biodiversity projects, especially those aligned with long-term habitat and species protection.
  • Apply knowledge of Biodiversity Net Gain regulations in development contexts.

Requirements

You’ll hold a degree or postgraduate qualification in ecology, biodiversity, or a related field, with proven experience in project management, site surveying, and community engagement. Strong knowledge of local biodiversity action planning and environmental legislation is essential.

Closing date: 1 August 2025