Conservation Officer

Surrey Wildlife Trust is one of 45 Wildlife Trusts across the UK, a grassroots movement working to protect and connect at least 30 per cent of land and sea for nature's recovery by 2030.

‘Our vision for a wilder Surrey is a future with abundant wildlife and nature recovery networks rich in biodiversity.’

Ecology Planning Advice Service promotes SWT’s mission by supporting Local Planning Authorities around the county in reviewing planning applications for a range of projects, from small-scale developments to strategic housing and infrastructure projects. 

The role

We are looking for a Conservation Officer with experience to assist in reviewing planning applications on behalf of Local Planning Authorities and developers though our pre-application advice service.    

You will be responsible for reviewing technical information, liaising with clients, stakeholders and subject matter experts.  You will be preparing technical reports presenting the outcome of your assessments and, where required, present at planning inquiries defending the outcome of your assessments on behalf of Local Planning Authorities.  Your project portfolio will be diverse, and may include large infrastructure projects, housing developments and private homeowners.  

You will be supporting the team in promoting the service to clients and liaising with statutory and non-statutory consultees on matters relating to ecology.   

This is an office-based role at our HQ in Pirbright, however, flexible/hybrid working options are available. The role will also involve site visits. 

Ideally you will be able to start in March/April 2021.  This is a permanent full-time role, however part-time roles will also be considered. 

We operate a flexi policy and aim to provide a good work/life balance which can incorporate partial home working whilst having an interesting and challenging working environment. 

Your skills

You will have demonstrable experience in providing high quality ecological advice to developers and/or Local Planning Authorities.    

You must be ready to travel, as required, to attend site meetings so a valid UK driver’s licence is essential and be able to work flexible hours.  The salary will be based on your experience and will range between £25,000 and £35,000 per annum.

We are committed to having an inclusive and diverse workplace and encourage applications from backgrounds which may be underrepresented in our sector, including people from minority ethnic backgrounds and people with disabilities. 

We are committed to offering an interview to all candidates that meet the essential criteria for the post.  Please let us know if you require any adjustment to make our recruitment process more accessible.

If this is the role for you:

Please send a completed application form (available at www.surreywildlifetrust.org)  to Robert Hutchinson, Manager of SWT EPAS (Robert.hutchinson@surreywt.org.uk).

The deadline for applications is 5pm Friday 25^th February 2022.  First interviews will be held remotely so you will need access to Microsoft Teams.