Biodiversity Officer

Buckingham Futures is recruiting for a Biodiversity Officer in Yorkshire to play a key role in addressing environmental challenges through the planning system. This position provides an opportunity to protect and enhance biodiversity while contributing to the delivery of Biodiversity Net Gain and meeting the requirements of the Environment Act 2021.

As a Biodiversity Officer, you will work within a dedicated team, offering expert ecological advice, interpreting biodiversity metrics, and helping to shape policies and strategies to support biodiversity initiatives.

Role Description

• Provide ecological advice on pre-application discussions, planning applications, and planning policies.
• Contribute to the development of Local Plans and ecological strategies.
• Deliver guidance on Biodiversity Net Gain, including the use of Defra biodiversity metrics.
• Prepare reports, recommendations, and agreements such as S106 and planning conditions related to biodiversity and ecology.
• Support the development of habitat banks, Local Nature Recovery Strategies, and supplementary planning documents.
• Represent the organisation at public inquiries, hearings, and other proceedings.
• Collaborate with partners to advance Biodiversity Net Gain and implement Local Nature Recovery Strategies.
• Research legislative changes, good practices, and policy developments impacting biodiversity and ecological services.

Candidate Profile

• Relevant qualifications or experience in ecology or related fields.
• Expertise in biodiversity and wildlife conservation within Development Management.
• Strong knowledge of wildlife law, biodiversity net gain assessments, and ecological policies.
• Proficiency in IT systems and excellent written communication skills.
• Strong teamwork, customer service, and interpersonal abilities.
• Experience in partnership working and external representation.
• Membership of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management is highly desirable.

This role is ideal for a motivated professional passionate about making a meaningful impact on biodiversity conservation across Yorkshire through strategic planning and ecological expertise.

If this opportunity aligns with your skills and career aspirations, we would love to hear from you. Please email amit@buckinghamfutures.com or call us on 020 8125 4321 to express your interest or ask any questions.