Natural England
Sustainable Development Senior Officer - ( Ref : 6641 )
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Sustainable Development Senior Officer - ( Ref : 6641 )
Sustainable Development Senior Officer
Location: Ghyll Mount, CA11 9BP or Kendal, North West England
About the Role
Do you want to make a real difference, working in a high-priority area and securing significant environmental gains? Are you passionate about driving sustainable development and ensuring nature recovery happens at scale?
Natural England’s Area Teams work through a range of mechanisms—including land management, planning advice, stakeholder engagement, and direct land stewardship—to protect and enhance biodiversity and landscapes.
As part of Natural England’s new Strategy, there is a focus on transitioning from isolated interventions to nature recovery at scale, embedding environmental gains in future development and investment to strengthen communities and support growth.
This critical role requires a strategic lead in sustainable development, focusing on Town and Country Planning Act cases, spatial development strategies, and high-risk, high-opportunity projects. You will advise on local plans, support policy formulation, and foster partnerships with developers and planning authorities to ensure eco-gains are integrated from the outset.
Key Responsibilities
Case & Policy Leadership
- Strategic Casework Lead for high-risk development projects, collaborating with senior colleagues and technical experts to deliver evidence-based, pragmatic advice.
- Advising on Local Plans & Spatial Development Strategies—working with local authorities to balance growth with environmental protection, ensuring policies support long-term biodiversity outcomes.
- Defining New Strategic Approaches to mitigate environmental pressures, proposing innovative solutions to resolve complex challenges.
Stakeholder & Developer Engagement
- Act as a Lead Environmental Regulator, managing developer relationships and aligning Natural England, Defra, and other ALBs (e.g., Environment Agency) to deliver integrated nature and growth outcomes.
- Provide Discretionary Advice (DAS)—offering evidence-based recommendations to streamline planning approvals while maximising biodiversity net gain.
- Advocate for organised systems such as green infrastructure standards, biodiversity net gain, and environmental delivery plans to secure compliance and enhance ecological outcomes.
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Capability & Team Support
- Supporting Junior Advisers—actively contribute to internal/external meetings, steering complex cases, and escalating risks as needed.
- Cross-team collaboration to ensure consistent, high-quality advice across Natural England’s workstreams.
Skills & Competencies Required
Essential Knowledge & Experience
| Technical Expertise | Personal Competencies |
|---|---|
| ➔ Deep understanding of UK planning processes (e.g., Habitats Regulations, Local Plans). | ➔ Strategic vision—linking sustainable development to Natural England’s overarching Strategy. |
| ➔ Technical expertise in development approvals (HRA, Sustainability Appraisals, EIAs). | ➔ Stakeholder management—building and maintaining strong relationships with developers, local authorities, and colleagues. |
| ➔ Broad knowledge of protected habitats, species, and legislation. | ➔ Innovative problem-solving—identifying and implementing creative solutions. |
| ➔ Strong influence & leadership—coaching teams and driving outcomes. |
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Conflict-Resolving Judgement
✔ Ability to balance competing demands in complex casework ✔ Robust interpersonal skills—engaging busy developers and planning officers effectively
Who We’re Looking For
Education & Background
- Relevant degree/conversion in ecology, environmental law, planning, or related field
- Demonstrated experience in UK ecology, including habitat protection and species governance
Critical Preparedness
- Currents understanding of planning law and its application to nature recovery
- Experience negotiating with developers and coordinating cross-government teams
Benefits
✌ £41,550 base salary + £12,037 into the Civil Service Pension ✌ Flexible/hybrid working arrangements ✌ career progression with tailored training ✌ Inclusive culture and Diversity & Inclusion support ✌ Access to Civil Service Wellbeing resources
Selection & Background Check
- Open to UK/EU candidates as well as eligible international applicants.
- Security clearance required—including a criminal records check.
- Transferable بذلك provisional evidence of pre-settled status (or similar) for non-British candidates.
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Contact for Enquiries
Hannah Taoka | Senior Recruitment Adviser 📧 Hannah.taoka@naturalengland.org.uk 📞 +44 (0)7825 272524 (for initial applications & advice)
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Nominally apply online: https://networkrecruitment.tal.net/… (t/r: Job Reference no. 6641)
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