Climate and Sustainability Officer

Join Us To Be Part of Devon’s Sustainable Future

Are you passionate about finding solutions to climate change and helping communities and services adapt to a changing world? Would you like to work in a county with two stunning coastlines, five National Landscapes, two World Heritage Sites, a Biosphere Reserve, two National Parks and a strong commitment to environmental leadership?

Devon County Council is looking for a Climate and Sustainability Officer to join our ambitious Climate and Sustainability Team. You’ll play a key role in supporting the council’s environmental performance and helping to deliver real change across Devon.

About the Role

Your initial focus will be updating Devon County Council’s Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan, covering both carbon reduction and climate resilience – gathering actions from across the authority that we are undertaking to demonstrate leadership on the Devon Carbon Plan and the Devon, Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Climate Adaptation Strategy. You’ll guide council services on how to improve their preparedness for a changing climate and support the delivery of our net-zero and sustainability goals.

You’ll also have the opportunity to get involved in a wider range of climate and sustainability projects: The team is involved in climate resilience, energy planning, renewable energy deployment, building retrofit, carbon offsetting, low carbon travel solutions, local food, and community and schools engagement. The role sits within the Environmental Sustainability Group, which brings together expertise in climate, ecology, heritage, landscape, flood and coastal risk.

This is a collaborative role, working across the council and with external partners. You’ll provide technical advice, shape strategies and guidance, and support partnerships such as the Devon Climate Emergency, Devon Local Nature Partnership, and National Landscapes.

We’re Looking For

We’re seeking someone with:

• Experience in a similar role, including providing environmental advice and supporting projects and partnerships.
• A good understanding of climate resilience and sustainability initiatives.
• Strong communication skills – able to translate technical information for a range of audiences.
• A proactive, collaborative approach and enthusiasm for addressing the climate and ecological emergency.
• Confidence working with data and helping shape practical solutions.

You’ll need to be comfortable working across disciplines, managing your own workload, and helping to shape innovative solutions to environmental challenges.

Why Devon?

Devon County Council plans to become a net-zero organisation by 2030, and we’re supporting the county to reach net-zero by 2050 at the latest. This is your chance to help shape how we get there - and to do so in one of the most beautiful and environmentally diverse parts of the UK.

We offer flexible working, a supportive team environment, and the opportunity to make a real difference.

Interview Date: 17th December 2025

To find out more, please see the Job Description and Person Specification. For an informal discussion, contact Doug Eltham, Head of Environment, on 01392 382061.

How to apply

Please ensure when completing your application form that you provide a supporting statement which demonstrates how you meet the essential and desirable criteria as described in the person specification of the job description. Applications may not be taken forwards if the supporting statement is not adequately completed.

• DCC embraces the positive benefits of a diverse workforce and is committed to providing an environment that is inclusive and safe. We welcome applications from people who share our commitment to stop discrimination, challenge inequality and promote diversity across Devon. More information can be found on our Equality and Diversity webpages.
• Happy to Talk Flexible Working - The Council offers flexible working arrangements in terms of when and where people work e.g. hybrid working, part-time, condensed hours etc.
• We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
• This role requires the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English.
• Personal data we collect from you will be processed in accordance with the Applicant privacy notice.
• For more information about Working for Devon please visit our Working for Devon page.
• We cannot consider visa sponsorship at this time. UK Right to Work is required. For further guidance on right to work in the UK, please visit: Work in the UK - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).

Location: County Hall, Exeter

Reference: REQ008707