Graduate Landscape and Biodiversity Officer - 24 Month FTC
We only accept online applications. If you require access to a computer and/or the internet, you can use our facilities free of charge at The Amelia Scott. Please call ahead to book an appointment Tel. 01892 554171.
Please follow the link below to submit your application.
Equal Opportunities
Tunbridge Wells – Working for Equality. We welcome applications from all sections of the community.
Safeguarding
The Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all employee and volunteers to share this commitment.
Are you newly graduated and looking for an excellent opportunity to take the first steps in your career that involves landscape and biodiversity? Do you want to work towards a professional qualification? Are you looking to be part of a supportive, dedicated and friendly team, working in an interesting and attractive urban and rural environment? Then this role is for you.
Tunbridge Wellsisa great place to live, work and visit. The Council has a clear, coherent, and powerful vision for the future set out in our Strategic Plan which sets out the priorities for Tunbridge Wells Borough Council.
This role provides a rare opportunity to work in the National Landscape of the High Weald helping to balance the needs of development with the protection and enhancement of our historic and natural environment. Working within the planning policy team, the postholder will support the Principal Landscape and Biodiversity Officer, working on strategic and sensitive planning applications involving historic Parks and Gardens, ancient woodland, and sites designated for landscape and wildlife conservation in rural and urban settlements. There will be opportunities to shape policy, work with key stakeholders, partnerships and elected Members and where required commission and manage consultants. Assisting the Principal Landscape and Biodiversity Officer you will advise the Planning Service on development management, and corporately across the Council on landscape and biodiversity matters and specific projects as required.
The Council has been at the forefront in the production of biodiversity policies and guidance and has a new, emerging Local Plan currently at Examination, with adoption anticipated soon. Once the Local Plan is adopted, the Council will begin work on a Local Plan Review. We are also in the early stages of preparing a Town Centre Plan for Royal Tunbridge Wells; the postholder will be involved with both of these.
What we’re looking for:
- Candidates with a landscape or a related qualification who are interested in the historical and natural environment.
- Candidates who are looking to develop their skills and work towards professional chartership.
- Someone who is willing to share their knowledge, engage with others and offer a critical opinion.
- Someone who is positive, enthusiastic, and conscientious with excellent communication, negotiation and presentation skills; you will be well organised and able to work on your own initiative and as part of a team.
If you fulfil the above then this may be the role for you.
What you’ll get:
- A planning policy team that will support your growth as you develop, providing opportunities to broaden and deepen your experience and skills as you embark on your career.
- Learning and development opportunities throughout your placement as part of our learning and support network including support towards achieving chartership status.
- 22 days’ holiday (rising to 27 with 5 years' continuous LG service) + UK bank holidays + 3 extra days in December.
- Generous Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Annual membership fees refunded for your professional body.
- Hybrid working to support work/life balance.
- Free parking near the Town Hall.
- Wellbeing perks like an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), flu jabs, eyecare vouchers and more.
Ready to apply?
Apply now and take this first step in your career. If you’d like to talk through the role, contact Ellen Gilbert, Planning Policy Manager on 01892 554059 or email ellen.gilbert@tunbridgewells.gov.uk, or David Scully, Principal Landscape and Biodiversity Officer on 01892 554072 or email david.scully@tunbridgewells.gov.uk
To stay up to date with our latest vacancies and what it’s like to work here you can follow us on twitter @TWBC_Jobs and LinkedIn @TWellsCouncil
Closing Date: Midnight 14th of September
Interview Dates: W/C 22nd of September
Salary range
- £24,744 per year