Natural Environment Manager

Lead Devon’s Natural Environment into the Future

Are you passionate about protecting and enhancing the natural beauty and resilience of our landscapes? Do you want 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 an experienced manager in the environment sector to lead our expert Natural Environment team in shaping policies, strategies and projects that safeguard and celebrate Devon’s unique environment alongside enabling growth. This is a newly-created senior role within our Environmental Sustainability Group, working with specialists in climate and sustainability, heritage, flood and coastal risk and partnership working.

About the Role

You’ll lead and manage the Natural Environment Team (currently 12 people), covering ecology and landscape disciplines, to ensure that the authority’s assets and activities protect, enhance and promote enjoyment of Devon’s environment while inspiring communities to do the same.

Your work will include:

• Developing and influencing policy and strategy to promote environmental resilience and positive management, including the emerging Local Nature Recovery Strategy and approaches to implementing biodiversity net-gain requirements.
• Overseeing specialist advice for planning, infrastructure and land management.
• Ensuring the provision of data systems to monitor the state of Devon’s environment and inform decision-making.
• Leading our involvement in key environmental partnerships, including the Devon Local Nature Partnership.
• Promoting sustainable access and community engagement with Devon’s natural environment.

Your leadership will drive efforts to protect and restore Devon’s natural environment and sustain Devon as a frontrunner in nature recovery and environmental resilience.

We’re Looking For

We’re seeking someone with:

• Leadership experience and strong team management skills.
• Expert knowledge in a relevant environmental discipline, with experience in policy development and implementation.
• Good understanding of spatial planning and development management.
• Ability to build partnerships and influence change.
• Strategic thinking and the ability to develop and oversee complex, multi-disciplinary environmental projects.

Why Devon?

Devon County Council is committed to environmental excellence and sustainability. This is your chance to make a lasting impact 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 lead work that truly matters.

To find out more, please see the Job Description and Person Specification.

Closing Date: 30 November 2025
Interview Date: 15th December 2025

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.

Internal Applicants, please note: If you are an existing DCC employee, please use your iTrent Employee Self Service (ESS) details to log in and apply.

• 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).