Countryside Officer

Are you an experienced countryside professional with a passion for biodiversity conservation, nature recovery and community engagement? Epsom & Ewell Borough Council is seeking a knowledgeable and enthusiastic Senior Countryside Officer to play a leading role in the management and enhancement of biodiversity within our local nature reserves: Epsom Common, Horton Country Park and the Hogsmill Local Nature Reserves. This is an exciting opportunity to help deliver the Council's biodiversity ambitions, lead ecological monitoring programmes, supervise volunteers, develop partnerships and contribute directly to the conservation of some of Surrey's most valued green spaces.

About the Role

Working closely with the Countryside Manager and the wider Countryside Team, you will play a leading role in delivering biodiversity monitoring and habitat management across the Borough's Local Nature Reserves. You will contribute to the development and implementation of site management plans and the Borough's Biodiversity Action Plan, while leading projects that enhance habitats, improve public access and enrich visitor experiences.

• Leading biodiversity monitoring and ecological survey programmes.
• Helping to prepare and deliver management plans for Local Nature Reserves and Sites of Nature Conservation Importance.
• Supervising and developing teams of volunteers involved in biological monitoring and conservation work.
• Managing grazing projects and habitat management programmes.
• Procuring and supervising contractors delivering countryside management.
• Supporting biodiversity considerations within planning and development management processes.
• Developing and maintaining partnerships with organisations, community groups and conservation bodies.
• Securing and helping deliver grant-funded and agri-environment projects.
• Producing interpretation materials, web content and educational resources.
• Delivering guided walks, talks, events and environmental education activities for a wide range of audiences.
• Assisting with the day-to-day operation of the Countryside Team office and reserve management activities.

We are looking for someone who combines strong ecological knowledge with excellent organisational and people-management skills., A degree (or higher qualification) in Countryside Management, Ecology or a related discipline.

• At least three years' relevant professional experience.
• Experience supervising volunteers or project teams.
• Strong skills in ecological survey work and biodiversity monitoring.
• Experience identifying and managing native flora and fauna.
• Experience writing habitat or site management plans and technical reports.
• Experience managing ecological data, databases and GIS systems.
• Knowledge of UK wildlife and habitat protection legislation.
• Experience organising and leading volunteer activities.
• Excellent communication, presentation and partnership-working skills.
• A full UK driving licence.
• The flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends.

Desirable Qualifications and Experience

• Membership of CIEEM or another relevant professional body.
• Protected species survey licences.
• Chainsaw qualifications.
• Current First Aid qualification.
• Experience of project management, contractor supervision and partnership development.
• Knowledge of planning policy and biodiversity requirements within the planning system.

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