Biodiversity Lead

Biodiversity Lead

Location: Hove Town Hall, Norton Road, Hove, BN3 3BQ

Contract: Pro rata, 30 hours per week, flexi hours

Salary: £44,075 – £47,181 (pro rata)

Job reference: REQ0000729

Responsibilities

• Advocate for biodiversity, influencing the council’s nature‑positive strategic direction across services.
• Initiate, deliver and manage a programme of biodiversity improvements linked to the Local Nature Recovery Strategy, the City Downland Estate and other relevant policies.
• Secure and leverage Biodiversity Net Gain habitat banks, voluntary biodiversity credits, grants and other revenue streams to deliver multiple benefits, including biodiversity improvement, climate change adaptation and financial sustainability.
• Provide strategic ecological advice across the council’s sustainability projects across multiple sectors, including large‑scale infrastructure projects.
• Lead cross‑sector collaboration and stakeholder engagement related to ecological improvement, representing the council and advocating for our diverse communities.
• Ensure the council complies with its biodiversity statutory duty and stays abreast of emerging biodiversity legislation and policy.
• Be a knowledgeable and passionate advocate for biodiversity, in urban and rural settings.
• Drive forward projects from vision to successful delivery in a complex environment.
• Work effectively with community groups, volunteers and broader partnerships.

Qualifications

• A degree or equivalent experience in ecology, biodiversity, or a related environmental field, or equivalent level of knowledge gained through experience.
• Strong knowledge of biodiversity legislation, planning processes, and ecological principles.
• Experience of successfully leading and managing complex projects and programmes, securing external funding, and working in partnership with others.
• Excellent presentation, negotiation and diplomacy skills, to communicate complex ecological information clearly to diverse audiences and secure stakeholder buy‑in.
• Strong organisational and analytical abilities, with the capacity to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and working knowledge of GIS.
• A commitment to continuous professional development.

Benefits

We offer a wide range of benefits to support you and your wellbeing.

EEO Statement

We welcome applications from all backgrounds and encourage applications from BME or White Other backgrounds, as well as those who identify as disabled or trans.

Interview Details

Interviews will be held on Monday 13th July 2026.

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