Senior Climate and Sustainability Officer

Join Us To Be Part of Devon’s Sustainable Future

Are you passionate about driving down carbon emissions and building a more sustainable future for Devon? Would you like to work in a county with two stunning coastlines, five National Landscapes, two World Heritage Sites, a Biosphere Reserve, two National Parks and a strong commitment to environmental leadership?

Devon County Council is looking for a Senior Climate and Sustainability Officer to join our ambitious Climate and Sustainability Team. You’ll play a key role in delivering corporate and community environmental performance improvements. A focus will be leading the delivery of our new Low Carbon Supply Chain Strategy, part of our Corporate Carbon Reduction Plan, to improve data capture systems, upskill staff and engage suppliers to minimise carbon emissions from the goods, works and services the council procures.

About the Role

You’ll work closely with our Procurement Team and service leads to shape specifications, influence contract management, and engage directly with suppliers to reduce emissions and improve environmental outcomes.

This is a highly collaborative role, working across the council and with external partners. You’ll be part of the Environmental Sustainability Group, which brings together expertise in climate, ecology, heritage, landscape, flood and coastal risk.

You’ll also have the opportunity to develop and lead the delivery of wider climate and sustainability projects and contribute to the work of the Devon Climate Emergency and other environmental partnerships: The team is involved in climate resilience, energy planning, renewable energy deployment, building retrofit, carbon offsetting, low carbon travel solutions, local food, and community and schools engagement.

We’re Looking For

We’re seeking someone with:

• Substantial experience in a similar role, including experience of influencing procurement processes to improve environmental outcomes.
• A detailed understanding of systems and initiatives to improve climate resilience and environmental sustainability.
• Excellent communication skills – able to translate technical information for a range of audiences and build strong working relationships.
• A proactive, collaborative approach and the ability to lead projects and influence change.
• Familiarity of manipulating, interpreting and being led by data.

You’ll need to be comfortable working across disciplines, managing complexity, and helping to shape innovative solutions to environmental challenges.

Why Devon?

Devon County Council plans to become a net-zero organisation by 2030, and we’re supporting the county to reach net-zero by 2050 at the latest. This is your chance to help shape how we get there – and to do so in one of the most beautiful and environmentally diverse parts of the UK.

We offer flexible working, a supportive team environment, and the opportunity to make a real difference.

To find out more, please see the Job Description and Person Specification. For an informal discussion, contact Doug Eltham, Head of Environment, on 01392 382061.

How to apply

Please ensure when completing your application form that you provide a supporting statement which demonstrates how you meet the essential and desirable criteria as described in the person specification of the job description. Applications may not be taken forwards if the supporting statement is not adequately completed.

Internal Applicants, please note: If you are an existing DCC employee, please use your iTrent Employee Self Service (ESS) details to log in and apply.

• DCC embraces the positive benefits of a diverse workforce and is committed to providing an environment that is inclusive and safe. We welcome applications from people who share our commitment to stop discrimination, challenge inequality and promote diversity across Devon. More information can be found on our Equality and Diversity webpages.
• Happy to Talk Flexible Working – The Council offers flexible working arrangements in terms of when and where people work e.g. hybrid working, part-time, condensed hours etc.
• We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
• This role requires the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English.
• Personal data we collect from you will be processed in accordance with the Applicant privacy notice.
• For more information about Working for Devon please visit our Working for Devon page.
• We cannot consider visa sponsorship at this time. UK Right to Work is required.For further guidance on right to work in the UK, please visit: Work in the UK – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).

Closing date 23rd November 2025

Location County Hall, Topsham Road, Exeter, Devon EX2 4QD

Job reference REQ008689