Biodiversity & Natural Capital Officer

Role Purpose To take a key role in the conservation and enhancement of Harrow’s biodiversity and approach to natural capital. Being responsible for the development, implementation, monitoring and review of the Council’s approach to Biodiversity Net Gain (including identification and development of potential habitat banks) and relevant parts of the emerging Local Plan and to co-ordinate the borough’s input into the London Local Nature Recovery Strategy. Responsibilities To provide advice on biodiversity, ecology and nature conservation issues affecting planning policy, development, land use, and to support implementation of the Council’s Climate & Nature Strategy. To work collaboratively with other service areas, including parks and public realm management teams, and external partners to ensure the effective management of key Council owned sites. To co-ordinate delivery of biodiversity and natural capital enhancement projects. To ensure the delivery, update and promotion of Harrow’s Biodiversity Action Plan, monitor its progress, ensure the implementation of action plans relating to the Borough’s own sites, and to actively engage with partners to deliver actions on non-Council sites. To ensure compliance with your responsibilities as laid out in the council’s equal opportunity policy and take an active role in promoting equality and diversity and to Harrow’s diverse community. To ensure compliance with your responsibilities as laid out in the council’s health and safety policy and take an active role in promoting a positive health and safety culture. To promote and participate in the council’s investors in people (IIP) and individual performance appraisal and development (IPAD) initiatives and information management best practice. To ensure compliance with the council’s information security policies and maintain confidentiality. To identify potential funding sources, develop bids, in conjunction with external partners when necessary and secure additional funding to further develop biodiversity work. Requirements Relevant degree or an equivalent combination of experience and other qualifications. An excellent understanding of the Biodiversity Net Gain and Biodiversity Action Plan process and knowledge of biodiversity and natural capital issues and their importance within an outer London borough. An awareness and understanding of legislation, national and regional policy which relates to biodiversity and natural capital, including an understanding of the statutory duty placed upon Local Authorities when managing Sites of Special Scientific Interest and other protected sites. Knowledge of land management techniques used to benefit biodiversity and how practical conservation work is undertaken. Knowledge of Planning in terms of protected species, priority species and priority habitats. Experience giving advice and preparing reports on biodiversity issues, including experience of commenting on planning applications and provision of advice to applicants prior to submitting planning applications Contract Initial 3 to 6 month ongoing contract with the opportunity to extend PAYE via Umbrella Monday to Friday 9am to 5:00pm