Senior Landscape Officer

• job-description-senior-landscape-officer

To apply for this position, please complete the application form. The closing date is 9am 17 November 2026. Should you have any additional questions regarding submitting an application, please contact the Recruitment Team at recruitment@huntingdonshire.gov.uk

Help shape the future of Huntingdonshire's natural environment! At Huntingdonshire District Council, we are passionate about creating places where people and nature can thrive together. We are looking for a knowledgeable and forward-thinking Senior Landscape Officer to join our Conservation and Environment team and lead on landscape and biodiversity matters across Planning Services.

This is an exciting opportunity to influence how development is delivered across the district, ensuring that growth is balanced with the protection and enhancement of our landscapes, habitats and biodiversity. From advising on major planning applications and Environmental Impact Assessments to supporting Biodiversity Net Gain and wider environmental initiatives, you will make a lasting impact on both communities and the natural environment.

About the role

As Senior Landscape Officer, you will be the Council's lead specialist on landscape and biodiversity matters, providing expert advice across a wide range of planning and environmental issues. Working closely with colleagues, developers, consultants, elected members and external stakeholders, you will help ensure that development proposals create positive outcomes for nature and the landscape.

You will assess planning applications and development proposals, provide technical guidance on landscape and biodiversity issues, contribute to environmental policy development, and represent the Council at appeals, inquiries and other proceedings where specialist evidence is required. You will also play a key role in supporting the Council's environmental ambitions, including the delivery of Biodiversity Net Gain requirements, nature recovery initiatives and wider obligations arising from the Environment Act.

This is a varied and rewarding role that combines technical expertise, strategic thinking and effective partnership working, offering the opportunity to influence some of the most significant developments and environmental projects across the district.

About you

You will be an experienced landscape, ecology or environmental professional with a degree in a relevant subject and eligibility for membership of a recognised professional body. You will have a strong understanding of the planning system, environmental legislation and the challenges and opportunities associated with sustainable development.

You will bring experience of assessing landscape and biodiversity impacts, reviewing environmental information and providing clear, well-reasoned professional advice. You will be confident working with a wide range of stakeholders and able to communicate complex technical information in a practical and accessible way.

We are looking for someone who is solution-focused, commercially aware and passionate about achieving high-quality environmental outcomes. You will be comfortable managing competing priorities, working independently when required and presenting recommendations to senior officers, members and external audiences. Most importantly, you will have a genuine commitment to protecting and enhancing the natural environment while helping to deliver sustainable growth across Huntingdonshire.

If you are looking for an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in a role where your expertise will directly influence the future of the district's landscapes and biodiversity, we'd love to hear from you.

An offer of employment is conditional upon having the right to work in the UK. HDC does not hold a Sponsorship Licence and is unable to provide a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) or take over sponsorship for any role.