Post No. POSN001009 – Ecology Officer
About Newport
Newport is a vibrant, forward-thinking city steeped in a rich industrial heritage that recently has proved it can re-establish and adapt itself as a centre of modern industry and commerce.
In City Services, the countryside and conservation team are engaged in the direct maintenance and management of the authorities’ environmental assets and green infrastructure including parks, open spaces, public rights of way and countryside sites. This is an exciting time to join the Countryside and Conservation team.
About the job
The exciting challenges of this role include undertaking the duties of an Ecology Officer within the Countryside and Conservation Section of City Services in respect of statutory and non-statutory requirements relating to countryside, biodiversity and nature conservation matters within the City of Newport. This includes making a major contribution to the implementation and provision of ecological advice and appropriate recommendations in the form of consultation responses, policies, strategies, supplementary planning guidance and assessments to all Council Service Areas, and particularly the Planning Services Division and SuDs Approval Board (SAB).
The post will require the applicant to carry out site visits and site surveys as part of the role as required across Newport’s countryside and environmental open spaces.
The post holder will provide support to the Biodiversity Partnership and Environmental Partnership elements, arising from the Community Strategy. To also work with the Biodiversity Officer, in order to identify mechanisms, and a work programme, for the Biodiversity Partnership across a range of projects.
You will report to the Countryside & Conservation Manager and will work closely with colleagues across Streetscene and City Services team, the Council and a range of contractors and other stakeholders to deliver and develop an excellent range of services for residents and businesses across the City.
About the person
Enthusiastic and confident, you should have a minimum of a degree in ecology or directly comparable environmental subject and be able to demonstrate a sound knowledge of countryside issues confronting a Welsh Local Authority in terms of national and international environmental legislation and policy.
You should have extensive knowledge of the role specific legislation, statutory duties, codes and practices, health and safety, knowledge of Local Government services and Streetscene service delivery as well as knowledge of computer software packages.
You should be self-motivated, with an organised and analytical approach to your work – and should be used to maintaining attention to detail while working to tight deadlines. You will have excellent communication and interpersonal skills and appreciate the importance of customer care. You have good financial management / project management skills and a creative approach to problem solving with good IT and data analysis/management skills.
We look forward to receiving your application if you meet the criteria and requirements of this role.
Additional information
We offer a wide range of Company benefits, including:
*Local Government Pension Scheme
*37-hour week for all full-time staff with option to access flexitime arrangements
*Generous holiday entitlement: a minimum 25 days a year (plus bank holidays), rising to 29 days after five years’ service and 32 after ten.
*Access to a wide range of training and courses
*Benefits: Vectis card, cycle purchase and car benefit schemes
*Access to a Credit Union
*On-site staff restaurant at Civic Centre
*Discounts at council-owned leisure centres and swimming pools
We welcome applications for all our jobs in either Welsh or English
Newport City Council is committed to working towards its workforce being more representative of the population that we serve and particularly welcomes applications from people from the minority ethnic communities represented (or living) in the city. Selection will be made on ability and skills to undertake the role.
Our values – Courageous, Positive and Responsible
Ein gwerthoedd – Dewr, Cadarnhaol, Cyfrifol