Job Introduction
We’re seeking someone with an interest in nature to join our Landscape and Countryside Team as Countryside Officer.
This team sits within Environmental Services Department and works with internal and external partners, stakeholders, and the public.
You’ll help us to provide ecological input and advice to help ensure the city council meets its statutory obligations and wider policy objectives to protect and enhance the biodiversity of Milton Keynes.
Main Responsibility
- Provide clear, timely, accurate and relevant ecological advice on planning applications to Development Control.
- Support other MKCC colleagues and departments, senior management, councillors, external professionals and the general public on ecological issues.
- Work in partnership with internal and external partners, stakeholders and the public to ensure the city council fulfils its statutory and policy responsibilities to protect and enhance the natural environment.
The Ideal Candidate
- Enjoys nature for its own sake.
- A good knowledge of legislation relating to nature and biodiversity.
- Experience of commenting on planning applications to ensure the best outcome for biodiversity.
- Able to work and communicate with a range of different audiences.
- For this role you are required to have a full UK driving licence and provide evidence of your vehicle insurance with business cover and use of a vehicle. If you are successful, you will be required to supply evidence of your licence prior to starting the role.
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.
- 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.
