Ecology Planning Lead

Position: Ecology Planning Lead

Location: South Downs Centre Midhurst (Hybrid Working)

Closing Date: 19 March 2023

Interview Date: 30 March 2023

Salary: £42,886 to £47,173 (Pay Award Pending)

Hours: 37 hours per week

Type of post: Permanent

The South Downs National Park covers over 1,600km2 of England’s most valued lowland landscapes;
shaped, over millennia, by the people who have lived and worked here. It is inspirational in
its varied landscapes, internationally important wildlife, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant
market towns and villages that hold a special place in the hearts of millions.

The National Park has a wealth of sites designated for their flora and fauna and geodiversity
value, our Corporate Plan focusses on ensuring nature recovery. Our award winning Local Plan
already highlights Biodiversity Net Gain we are looking to ensure that development delivers
maximum benefits for nature and people.

This new role is key to leading our response to the need to confront the biodiversity emergency
and ensure that, through the planning system, we deliver the very best for ecology in the
National Park. Put simply you will ensure that we get development and Biodiversity Net Gain
right for the National Park and its habitats.

The role sits within our Planning Policy Team and would have significant input advising on
planning applications and Nationally Significant Infrastructure Proposals (NSIPs) as well as
assisting writing new policy in our Local Plan Review. The National Park offers a wide cross
section of rural and urban planning applications across a variety of developments, including
residential, tourism, agriculture and complex enforcement cases, all within the unique context
of a National Park so this will be an interesting and challenging opportunity. We are also
exploring Green Finance initiatives that you will be involved in setting up and monitoring.

Interested? If you are a CIEEM qualified professional, can deliver to the job description and
meet the person specification we would love to hear from you.

To apply: Please select the apply button and complete the application and
monitoring form. All applications must be submitted on the SDNPA application form (CV’s will
not be considered) & must reach us by 11:30pm on 19 March 2023.

SDNPA is an inclusive organisation and we welcome applications from everyone irrespective of
sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnicity, faith and religion, disability and age.

We operate a Guaranteed Interview Scheme (GIS) for disabled applicants.

In all circumstances the SDNPA appoints on merit based on evidence the applicant supplies in
meeting the essential criteria for the post.

SDNPA Enhanced Benefits

– Flexible working

– Local government pension scheme

– Healthcare – includes cash plan, counselling and wellbeing discounts

– 27 days annual leave, increasing to 30 days, plus bank holidays

– Professional development support

– Cycle to work scheme

– Car sharing

– Use of pool cars

– Regular staff events / activities, which support the SDNPA’s Purposes and Duty