Senior Biodiversity Officer

Are you an experienced ecologist? Are you passionate about the natural environment? Do you like the idea of working with a team of dynamic and like-minded professionals helping to support sustainable development?

Who are we looking for?

Wealden District Council is committed to enhancing our built and natural environment by protecting our heritage, supporting biodiversity, and promoting sustainable development.

We created the newly formed Built and Natural Environment Team to support the wider Planning & Environmental Service to ensure that planning applications, enforcement and related matters are dealt with effectively and efficiently.

We are looking for someone to be the lead biodiversity and ecology advisor in this team. That will include advising planning officers, and the wider Council, on a range of issues. Matters such as habitat and species protection, ecological enhancements and biodiversity net gain. All the while being mindful of the need to ensure that growth and development in the district is sustainable and considerate of these environmental issues. The role also includes management of a junior colleague.

If you’re an experienced ecologist then this role is for you!

What will the role involve?

• Dealing with matters relating to biodiversity net gain, habitat and species protection, and ensuring the Council fulfils on its biodiversity duty.
• Delivering timely, effective, and proportionate specialist input into planning applications and planning policy.
• Ensuring compliance with relevant planning legislation and policies.
• Working with partners and colleagues across the County on strategic biodiversity and ecological matters.

What skills, knowledge and abilities do you require for the role?

• Considerable experience in planning and natural environment matters.
• Some leadership and management experience, including performance management and staff supervision.
• Knowledge of relevant law, policy and guidance related to planning and the built and natural environment.
• Excellent communication skills, good customer service and proactive relationship building with internal and external stakeholders.
• Experience in the delivery of project-based work.

What do we offer?

• Competitive salary & pension scheme.
• A friendly, supportive team.
• Opportunities for continuing professional development.
• Hybrid working.

For more information

For more information and an informal chat about the opportunities please contact Samuel Batchelor, Development Manager, on 01892 602552 or Stacey Robins, Head of Planning & Environmental Services, on 01892 602518.

About Wealden

Wealden District Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.

We are committed to maintaining a diverse workforce and an inclusive work environment. We value the differences that people bring from all backgrounds and communities, and all applications will be treated on merit.

Ethical Use of AI in Applications

We welcome innovation and do not automatically exclude candidates who use AI tools during the application process. However, we assess each application to ensure the candidate genuinely understands the role and its requirements.

AI may be used ethically and responsibly, provided it supports, rather than compromises our core values of integrity, transparency, and fairness. During assessments and interviews, candidates must present their own skills and experience without assistance from others, external resources, or AI, unless explicitly instructed otherwise.

Hours per week: 37
Salary: £48,608.64 – £50,505.24
Car Allowance: Essential

Application Deadline: 2 December 2025
Interview Date: 11 December 2025