Natural Environment Officer

We are recruiting for a highly motivated and experienced individual to help the council ensure positive approaches to ecology are embedded in place-based projects. Primarily, the role will be focussed on responding to individual sites at a range of scales going through the planning process, as well as advising on large regeneration initiatives.

The Nature Conservation role is part of the Urban Design Team, within the Planning Service. This role would suit a professional with experience of ecology, land-use planning or green infrastructure, ideally within the Development Management sector. You will contribute positively to the City Council’s corporate efforts to promote and increase biodiversity, ecological recovery and green infrastructure for the benefit of people, nature and prosperity of the city.

Key elements of the role will be to:

• Provide high quality and timely ecological advice to officers, councillors, developers and their advisors, members of the public and community groups having regard to relevant legislation, planning policy, guidance, standards and best practice.
• Work in partnership with colleagues and external stakeholders to promote and maximise the ecological benefits of a holistic place-based approach to growth and regeneration.
• Work with colleagues to support the delivery of Biodiversity Net Gain, the Ecological Emergency Action Plan, the development of a Green and Blue Infrastructure Strategy, and broader Nature Recovery.
• Present training and briefings to officers, senior managers and politicians as and when required.

Why Bristol City Council?

At Bristol City Council, we go that extra mile for our people; we offer a work environment which is fast moving and supportive, giving you the chance to use your skills and develop new ones within a high-profile organisation. For the majority of our roles hybrid working arrangements are available, giving teams the opportunity to work in a way that suits them, balancing service need and individual choice - mixing both home and office working.

Join us and you’ll receive an excellent rewards package including flexible working and flexitime, membership of the Local Government Pension scheme, and a generous annual leave allowance. In addition, you’ll be working in a supportive environment where you’ll have the chance to make Bristol a better place and contribute to its future.

How do I apply?

If you share our values and are ready to be part of our exciting journey, please select the apply button below.

Closing date: 25 August 2025.

To be shortlisted for interview you’ll need to demonstrate how you meet each of the essential criteria in the Person Specification within the Further Information section of your application. On occasion we will receive high numbers of applications, we may then shortlist against the desirable criteria along with the essential criteria, so if you can, please demonstrate how you meet this in your application.

We're a Disability Confident employer which means we value recruiting and retaining disabled people. Any job applicants who consider themselves to be disabled and meet the essential criteria in the Person Specification are guaranteed an interview. We'll make reasonable adjustments throughout the interview process and provide continued workplace support throughout your career.

For further information, please refer to the Job Description and Person Specification or alternatively, please contact Pete Insole on [email protected]

At Bristol City Council, we value having a workforce as diverse as the city we serve. We therefore welcome, develop and promote people from all sections of the community. Appointments will be made on merit.

The personal information section (including your name) you’ll complete as part of the application form will not be visible to hiring managers, but is used confidentially to make sure that everyone is treated fairly.