Job Introduction
We’re recruiting a GCN (Great Crested Newt) District Licensing Officer to work closely with colleagues in NatureSpace to deliver the District Licence Scheme within Milton Keynes. You will understand the extent, scope, and detail of the District Licensing scheme, raise awareness of the scheme within the local planning authority, understand planning and licensing requirements, and monitor and advise on compliance and enforcement measures.
You’ll work closely with colleagues, developers and private sector ecologists to provide a complete package of support on the operation of the District Licence for GCN, covering everything from identifying GCN constraints within planning applications to supporting the creation of compensatory habitats and providing ad-hoc guidance to both developers and operational colleagues.
You’ll have the opportunity to undertake annual monitoring for GCN and use this information to produce management strategies to implement across the city. You’ll also assist colleagues in co-ordinating and overseeing conservation works to benefit a variety of species.
You’ll benefit from working within a tight-knit and likeminded team of ecological and environmental professionals and gain access to a network of peers and industry leading experts through collaboration with the NatureSpace Partnership.
This is a great opportunity to undertake work across development, conservation, and species monitoring contexts.
In return, we’ll provide you with the opportunity for professional development and to expand your skillset by consulting on wider protected species and biodiversity considerations in response to planning applications and the operational works of the city council.
Interview for this role will be held 13 – 17 January.
Main Responsibility
- Provide guidance and support to planning officers, developers, and ecologists in relation to the Great Crest Newt District Licencing Scheme and act as the main point of liaison with the licence administrators, the NatureSpace Partnership. Ensure the correct processes are followed and that obligations of the District Licence Scheme are met by applicants and the planning authority.
- Issue licence authorisations under the district licensing scheme in accordance with the obligations and processes of the scheme and undertake monitoring of compliance with the requirements of the licence.
- Maintain internal project tracking and undertake reporting of licensing outcomes in the city when required for a range of partners and purposes.
- Maintain consistent and clear communication with the NatureSpace Partnership on scheme monitoring, best practice, and opportunities for collaborative projects, and report to Council departments and Councillor’s as necessary.
- Respond to planning consultations in relation to the council policies on ecology and biodiversity – providing clear and pragmatic advice on ecological considerations including mitigation, enhancement, and biodiversity net-gain.
- Work with internal and external partners to identify opportunities for Great Crested Newt habitat creation, restoration, and enhancement. Produce site specific management plans and provide ad-hoc operational advice to Council departments and sub-contractors in relation to Great Crested Newts and wider ecological considerations.
- Plan and coordinate monitoring of Great Crested Newt distribution within the Council’s portfolio of landscape assets.
The Ideal Candidate
- A relevant degree in ecology or environmental management and holder of a Natural England Great Crested Newt Class Level 1 Survey Licence (CL08).
- Knowledge and understanding of the UK planning system, including ecological impact assessment and/or biodiversity in planning and knowledge of European protected species legislation, licensing, planning, and licensing policies.
- Practical experience of undertaking Great Crested Newt Survey Work using a range of survey techniques (eDNA, bottle trapping, torching, netting etc.) and demonstrable experience of planning and undertaking Great Crested Newt conservation management or designing and implementing Great Crested Newt mitigation and compensation strategies.
- Highly organised, methodical, and conscientious - able to juggle and prioritise multiple cases, enquiries, and tasks, and work efficiently to meet tight deadlines.
- An excellent communicator with good inter-personal skills - able to liaise proactively and confidently with developers, consultants (e.g., ecologists, planners), regulatory authorities, NGO partners and colleagues.
- Highly literate, able to prepare documents quickly and diligently to a high standard, following defined processes, protocols, and guidance.
- Self-motivated and independent - able to work flexibly and with minimal supervision.
- For this role, the candidate is required to have a full UK driving licence, along with access to a vehicle. Evidence of the driving licence and vehicle insurance with business insurance will be required from the candidate should they be offered this position. Without this documentation the candidate will not be appointable.
Package Description
In addition to your salary, we offer a range of benefits including:
- Great holiday benefits - most roles include 28 days annual leave every year on top of public (bank) holidays, increasing to 32 days after five years. In addition, there is a holiday purchase scheme allowing staff to purchase up to 5 additional days of leave each year.
- Excellent pension – everyone who works for us can join the national Local Government Pension Scheme, widely regarded as one of the best available.
- A full range of family friendly policies including enhanced maternity, adoption and paternity support and a childcare subsidy.
- Access to an award-winning employee benefits programme that includes a health cash plan, a low-cost bike purchase scheme as well as high street discounts and money off entertainment and travel.
- Salary sacrifice car scheme – low-cost leasing of electric and low emission vehicles.
- Blue Light Card - employees working within social care can qualify for an additional range of discounts from national retailers and local businesses.
Our roles are either designated ‘site based’ or ‘home based’. ‘Site based’ roles can include up to two days a week working from home whilst ‘home based’ roles are based at home four days a week. Of course, managers designate which category roles are in based on the needs of the service and the circumstances.
About The Organisation
Milton Keynes City Council is a large, modern and financially stable employer with around 2,500 people working across our eight areas. Together we provide local residents and businesses with a wide range of important round-the-clock services and aim to make our city a better place to live.
We work hard because of the demands placed on us, like protecting children from harm or preventing homelessness. However, working for the city is always rewarding and everyone has the opportunity to make a real difference.
We’re very proud of our diversity and are committed to having a workforce that reflects the community we serve. Whatever your background, you will be welcome here if you share our values of being dedicated, respectful and collaborative.
We offer great training and support and because of the size and scale of the organisation there are always new opportunities to explore when it’s time for a new role.
If you’d like to know more about how we do things and what matters to us, take a look at our short booklet What makes us Milton Keynes City Council.
