Biodiversity & Policy Officer

Shape the Future of Nature in Nottingham

Nottingham is a city of green ambition, from nature recovery to climate resilience, we are committed to protecting and enhancing our natural environment.

As our Biodiversity & Greenspace Policy Officer, you'll be at the heart of that mission. You’ll lead on embedding biodiversity into local planning, projects and policy, helping to deliver Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), nature recovery strategies, and greener, healthier communities across Nottingham.

This is more than a desk job. It's about making real-world ecological change happen in one of the UK’s most forward-thinking urban environments.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Act as the Council’s lead technical expert on ecology, biodiversity and the Environment Act 2021
• Provide expert advice on planning, policy and strategic projects
• Lead our implementation of Biodiversity Net Gain, including advising on planning applications and using DEFRA’s statutory metrics
• Support delivery of the Local Nature Recovery Strategy and Nottingham’s wider ecological ambitions
• Contribute to city-wide green infrastructure and the “Greener, Healthier, Happier” greenspace strategy
• Oversee and advise on designated wildlife sites and promote nature-led site management
• Write guidance, policy documents, and help shape future biodiversity planning tools (e.g. Supplementary Planning Documents)
• Work across departments and with community groups to champion biodiversity for all

Who We’re Looking For

• Has a degree in ecology, environmental science, or a related field
• Understands biodiversity legislation and policy, especially BNG and the Environment Act 2021
• Is confident advising on planning applications, strategic plans, and site management
• Can bring technical credibility and influence in multi-disciplinary settings
• Knows how to engage with communities, partners and councillors on nature-positive projects
• Is familiar with GIS, mapping and monitoring tools
• Is collaborative, organised, and committed to high-impact, place-based working

Why This Role Matters

Biodiversity is not just about species; it’s about shaping places where people and nature thrive together. This role gives you the platform to create citywide impact while working closely with planners, ecologists, policymakers, and passionate local communities.

If you believe that policy and practice go hand in hand and want to help Nottingham lead the way on urban nature, we want to hear from you.

What You’ll Gain

• A rewarding, strategic role with visible local impact
• Opportunities to shape nature recovery at a city level
• A chance to help shape a greener and more inclusive Nottingham
• A role with visible impact in your local community
• Supportive colleagues and opportunities for professional development
• Flexible working and employee wellbeing support
• Generous local government pension and holiday scheme

If you are interested in being part of an amazing team that really wants to make a difference to the greenspaces in Nottingham then join us in shaping a Greener, Healthier, Happier Nottingham.

For an informal chat about the role, contact Claire Smith-Harris at [email protected]

At Nottingham City Council we believe that work is what you do, not where you do it. We offer different working arrangements, depending on the role, including hybrid working. Further information on Worker Types and what these mean in terms of how and where you work can be found on the additional information for applicants page.

Closing Date: 7th September 2025

Please note there may be occasions where we close the advert before the closing date and we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

Interviews will be held: w/c 29/9/25