Natural Environment Officer (Nature Recovery - Poole Farm)

Plymouth City Council is seeking a dynamic, creative and entrepreneurial Natural Environment Officer to help shape the future of Poole Farm, the heart of Derriford Community Park and one of Plymouth’s most exciting nature recovery and community engagement sites. Poole Farm is a place where people, wildlife and nature come together, providing opportunities for learning, wellbeing, conservation and outdoor discovery. Rich in wildlife, habitats and heritage, the site is home to innovative nature recovery projects, including Plymouth's pioneering beaver programme, helping to restore natural processes while inspiring people to connect with nature.

This role will focus on developing partnerships, creating opportunities and generating sustainable income that supports the long-term growth of Poole Farm. Working with community, education, health and environmental partners, you will co-design innovative learning, wellbeing and nature recovery programmes that create meaningful benefits for people and nature.

We are looking for someone who can take ideas and turn them into reality, transforming concepts into high-quality, deliverable experiences. A key part of the role will involve managing Poole Farm's programme of activities, events and site bookings, while developing new income-generating opportunities with partners, negotiating agreements and coordinating the resources needed to ensure activities are delivered successfully.

The successful candidate will have substantial experience delivering learning, wellbeing, community engagement or environmental programmes, alongside experience of building partnerships, coordinating projects. Experience of business or enterprise is highly desirable. They will have a good understanding of UK nature conservation and habitat management and be passionate about using nature-based approaches to improve wellbeing, develop skills and support nature recovery.

You will be highly organised, self-motivated and commercially aware, with the ability to manage complex schedules, multiple partnerships and competing priorities. Comfortable working with income targets, you will have excellent attention to detail and a logical approach to planning and coordination, confidently managing activities, health and safety, resources and staffing to ensure the smooth day to day running of the site. You will combine creativity with practicality, using sound judgement and problem-solving skills to identify opportunities, overcome challenges and help Poole Farm grow its impact, profile and income.

This role will be based within Plymouth City Council’s new Natural Environment Service – consisting of several groundbreaking programmes and teams across the themes of; Communities; Trees; Marine; Nature Recovery; and Environmental Operations. The new Natural Environment Service enhances Plymouth’s demonstrable leadership as a Nature City with a track record in innovation across Climate, Nature, People, and Place programmes – working collaboratively across themes to achieve maximum impact for the city and the wider region. This is a hugely exciting time to join us in delivering our ambitions, most recently published in our Plan for Nature and People.

The Disclosure & Barring Service Check requirement for this post is: DBS Children’s & Adult’s Check

We are a flexible employer and provide a variety of working arrangements tailored to the needs of each role.

Plymouth City Council is an equal opportunities employer. All applicants will be considered for employment regardless of age, care experience, disability, gender reassignment, marriage/civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity, race, religion/belief, sex or sexual orientation.

As part of our commitment to promoting equality we offer guaranteed interviews to those who meet the essential criteria and are considered disabled, care experienced or are an Armed Forces Service Leaver within the last two years.

Please note, this role is not eligible for visa sponsorship and we can only consider applicants with existing right to work in the UK

For more information or an informal discussion, please contact Jerry Griffiths, Natural Environment Manager - [email protected]

Closing date: Sunday 19 July

Interviews will be in person at Poole Farm on Tuesday 11th August.