Principal Strategic Biodiversity Officer

About Portsmouth City Council

Portsmouth City Council is a unique organisation, committed to making a difference, and is
guided by core values that set who we are as people, what we stand for, and how we act.

We are committed to our values of respect, integrity, collaboration, inclusivity and being
people-focussed. These values set out how we can contribute to the success of the council and
our own success as individuals. Learn more about our values and behaviours.

Job introduction

We are looking for a Principal Strategic Biodiversity Officer to join our Nature Positive
Portsmouth project team to deliver nature recovery at scale, climate resilient green
infrastructure and improved connection to nature for health and wellbeing in the City. This is
a full time role based at the Civic Offices, but will involve some travel around locations
within the City and some opportunities for hybrid working depending on business needs.

Your new role

The Principal Strategic Biodiversity Officer plays a key role in shaping and driving nature
recovery across the city and is a member of the Nature Positive Portsmouth project team. They
will lead the development of a Biodiversity Strategy and high-level action plan, working with
consultants and internal teams to embed nature recovery into city planning and climate
resilience efforts. The responsibilities include managing biodiversity data, supporting
planning processes with technical expertise, identifying and developing biodiversity net gain
(BNG) projects, and fostering collaboration through a city-wide nature forum. The role also
involves promoting strategic initiatives, engaging stakeholders, and contributing to the
creation of a Green Infrastructure Strategy, ensuring nature recovery is integrated across
council operations and land management.

This post is funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund through Nature Towns and Cities, a
partnership between the Heritage Fund, Natural England and the National Trust.

Who is the person summary:

The ideal candidate holds a relevant degree in Ecology or Nature Conservation and brings
extensive experience in biodiversity, green infrastructure, and habitat management,
particularly within the planning system. They possess in-depth knowledge of nature conservation
legislation, including the Environment Act, Town and Country Planning Act, and Biodiversity Net
Gain (BNG) requirements. Skilled in ecological surveys, GIS (specifically MAPINFO), and the use
of BNG metrics, they are adept at preparing technical reports, collaborating with consultants,
and delivering partnership projects. The candidate demonstrates strong analytical,
communication, and leadership skills, with the ability to influence cross-directorate
strategies, manage sensitive information, and drive innovation. A solid understanding of
terrestrial and coastal habitats, protected species, and environmental policy underpins their
ability to develop and implement biodiversity strategies effectively.

Our recruitment process

Full information about our recruitment process can be found on our support for applicants’
page: Support for
applicants – Careers portal

Please ensure that you read the job profile for full details on the post. We offer hybrid
working with the expectation to attend the office 2 days a week (pro rata for part time)
depending on the role and business needs.

You must demonstrate why you are suitable against each of the points described in the
‘Who is the Person’ points on the Job Profile using examples from your
experience or transferable skills. This might be through qualifications or descriptive examples
from your work / personal experience, which clearly illustrates what you did and the effect it
had. If you apply without a detailed personal statement, it is unlikely that you will
be successful.

Please note we reserve the right to close the advert early if we have a successful applicant.

We are a disability confident employer and Armed Forces Covenant gold standard. More
information can be found at Equality,
diversity and inclusion – Careers portal

Should you require any support in completing the application form please contact [email protected] or call the recruitment
team on 023 92 616 800.

If you would like to discuss this role in more detail with the hiring manager, please contact
Felicity Harris, Strategic Lead Climate Resilience and Natural Environment: [email protected]

You will need to demonstrate that you have the Right to Work in the UK. No post will be offered
without it.

Read more about working at Portsmouth City Council and our benefits on our career’s portal
homepage: Careers Portal – Find jobs with
Portsmouth City Council

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) at Basic level will be required prior to any offer of
employment and this post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Please read
the relevant DBS privacy notice before
submitting any information.

Interview date: Interviews will take place in person on either 4th or 11th
November.