Landscape Officer

At SCC (Suffolk County Council), every role is a chance to create positive change. We're not just a local authority; we're a team of dedicated individuals working together to improve lives across our diverse communities. As our new Landscape Officer, you'll have the unique opportunity to see the direct impact of your work on the people and places that make Suffolk special. Your contributions will help build a brighter future for all. If you're passionate about making a real, tangible difference, it's time to reimagine your career with us. Join Suffolk County Council and turn your passion for positive change into action. 

Reimagine the possibilities. 

Your role and responsibilities 

The Landscape Team provide a key service within SCC, and in support of wider environmental activities throughout the county. Working alongside a wide range of colleagues, we ensure that Suffolk’s landscape is protected and enhanced in line with local, and national legislation, as well as climate change, nature recovery and community focussed objectives.

This role presents a great opportunity to work with a range of organisations to ensure that the special qualities of Suffolk’s landscape are conserved and enhanced for future generations. 

You will:

• be collaborating with colleagues in Ecology, Development Control, and Highways (to name just a few), to ensure that new developments and infrastructure schemes have proper regard to maintaining and enhancing the landscape that makes Suffolk so special
• On a daily basis, might read and respond to reports and planning applications, visit proposed development sites, and liaise with colleagues within SCC and other Local Authorities throughout Suffolk
• together with colleagues, support the championing of the landscapes of Suffolk and as important building blocks of Suffolk’s growth and health and well-being
• respond to consultations by the council’s planning team, to ensure that potential harm to landscape features is avoided or minimised, and that proposals are accompanied by appropriate landscape schemes as well as aftercare and maintenance programmes
• play a key role in supporting the delivery of landscape conservation projects in conjunction with SCC colleagues and external partner organisations.

You will need:

• a degree or equivalent in landscape architecture or a related environmental discipline and either holds a membership with a professional body or is willing to work towards this
• up to date knowledge of Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment, including landscape character assessment, to interpret submitted assessments and plans
• a willingness to learn as the work will increase in variety and complexity and include, for example, work on planning policy or Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects.

We look forward to welcoming the right person, who can enrich our team through their own experiences and perspectives, who is keen to continue learning, who shares the council’s WeASPIRE values and our team’s passion to achieve the best outcomes for Suffolk’s natural environment and residents.

You can view a full list of requirements in the Job and Person Profile (Word). If you believe you can succeed in this role, apply. Even if you don't meet all requirements, still apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application. 

The team 

The Landscape Team provide a key service within SCC, and in support of wider environmental activities throughout the county. Working alongside a wide range of colleagues, we ensure that Suffolk’s landscape is protected and enhanced in line with local, and national legislation, as well as climate change, nature recovery and community focussed objectives.

This role presents a great opportunity to work with a range of organisations to ensure that the special qualities of Suffolk’s landscape are conserved and enhanced for future generations. 

Empowering Everyone 

We’re big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We’re always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation, as shown in our Workforce Equality Report. 

For more information 

Please contact Isolde Cutting, Senior Landscape Officer, or Nick Dickson, Natural Environment Manager, for a casual conversation. You can reach them by calling:

Isolde on 01473 260822 or emailing [email protected] or Nick on 01473 264628 or emailing [email protected]. 

Closing date: 11.30pm, 26 October 2025. 

Interview date: Week commencing 3 November 2025.

This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts.