Nature Recovery Officer – Biosecurity

Nature Recovery Officer – Biosecurity
Norfolk
Full time, Temporary Contract until 31 March 2028
£34,434 – £36,363 per annum (Scale H)

Are you looking for a role that provides the opportunity to deliver real action to support nature recovery in Norfolk? Do you enjoy working closely with colleagues and in partnership with other organisations and volunteers across the county undertaking practical activities? Are you looking for the opportunity to put your knowledge and experience of non-native species into action? If so, we would love to hear from you.

The Norfolk County Council (NCC) Environment Service has an exciting and broad ranging role leading the Norfolk Non-native Species Initiative (NNNSI). This is a partnership launched in 2008 to promote a more strategic and co-ordinated approach to the management of invasive alien species (IAS) in the county. Responsible for delivering project work around Biosecurity and Invasive Alien Species (IAS) in Norfolk, the postholder will be responsible for the day-to-day operation of the NNNSI, promoting the prevention, early detection and control/eradication of IAS.

We are looking for an experienced and motivated professional aspiring to play an essential role in the delivery of this project. You will lead on the coordination and reporting of all aspects of the NNNSI delivery programmes, contributing to delivery of the NCC Environment Policy, Local Nature Recovery Strategy and in line with the Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP) 2023 for England.

Key focus areas include:

• Co-ordinate and report on all aspects of the NNNSI delivery programmes.
• Update the objectives and targets of the Norfolk Non-native Species Action Plan and ensure they are delivered in a timely and effective manner.
• Monitor project budgets.
• Deliver invasive species surveys, data collection, management plans and progress reports, working closely with members of the Environment Service.
• Co-ordinate delivery of IAS management projects, including working with partners and volunteers to undertake eradication programmes.
• Raise awareness of the risks and impacts associated with invasive alien species.
• Work closely with partners and stakeholders to deliver the aims of NNNSI.
• Support the delivery of the Local Nature Recovery Strategy.
• Help to develop funding bids for projects delivering action on IAS.

Partnership working with local, regional and national cross-sector stakeholders is a key element of this position. Collaboration and best practice exchange with partners will be required, building on implementation of several large, high-profile initiatives previously funded by EU LIFE, EU Interreg, Defra, Environment Agency, Natural England, Inland Drainage Boards and Broads Authority.

Current projects include work towards the eradication of Floating Pennywort on River Waveney and North Walsham and Dilham canal, and Wensum Catchment Himalayan Balsam eradication project.

Initially for two years, this is a temporary role to support the delivery of the project.

For more information or an informal discussion regarding this post please contact:

Sam Demmen-Sewell – Lead Ecologist

[email protected] or by telephone on 01603 365827.

These are some benefits you can enjoy by working for Norfolk County Council:

• Competitive salary.
• Generous holiday entitlement.
• Health and Wellbeing services including fast-track physiotherapy and a free counselling service.
• Flexible working opportunities including flexi-time, part time, remote and hybrid working – dependent on your job role and business need.
• Financial benefits such as:
  • ‘Norfolk Rewards’ our employee discounts programme which helps you save money on almost anything, from everyday groceries and clothes, to holidays, new technology, gym membership, trips to the cinema and days out.
  • A Blue Light card for Fire Service and Social Care Workers.
  • Relocation expenses (where applicable).
  • An advance of your expenses if you travel for work.
  • Local Government Pension Scheme with generous employer contribution, life assurance, death in service payments and dependants’ pensions.
  • Tax efficient ways of getting extra pension and new bikes.
  • Access to our tax efficient car lease scheme for greener travel enabling you to lease a brand new, ultra-low emission vehicle (subject to eligibility).
  • A payment if you refer someone you know to a hard to fill job.

We want our people to be inspired and motivated to work well together, make the most of our workspaces, enjoy a healthy work-life balance, and deliver excellent services to Norfolk and its people. Flexibility is built into the way we work, with hybrid working a key feature for many roles. Our technology platform and equipment are first class, enabling you to connect and collaborate remotely. We ask that you have in place good Broadband connectivity.

Before you apply, we recommend reading the full Job description and person specification to help you demonstrate how you meet the criteria. You can also find information on our Terms and Conditions here.

Already a Norfolk County Council employee? See and apply for all internal and external vacancies via myOracle using your @norfolk.gov.uk or @nccal.ac.uk email.

Redeployment closing date: 23:59, 18 June 2026.

All other applicants closing date: 23:59, 28 June 2026.