Ecology / Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) Specialist (Remote Working)

Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) Lead | Remote (England) | Up to £65,000

The Opportunity:

Are you an experienced Ecology/Environmental specialist, that knows Biodiversity Net Gain metrics inside and out? Would you like to work with a business that offers a high level of flexibility, fantastic progression opportunities, and the ability to shape a new business unit as you see fit?

Ford and Stanley are working in partnership with one of the UK's leading Landscaping, Environmental Management and Arboriculture specialists, to take leadership & ownership of their BNG-related workstreams and guide their business on how to develop their capability in this emerging and critical field.

Known for a strong commitment to sustainability, they are a certified B-Corp, meeting high standards in social and environmental impact. They support eco-friendly initiatives, including tree-planting and biodiversity projects, to reduce carbon emissions and promote environmental stewardship.

A significant amount of BNG work is currently subcontracted out to their supply chain, so they are looking for an entrepreneurial individual to help develop their in-house capability, and in the longer term, look at developing a team in this area.

This also means the individual joining can, to an extent, be selective on the type of projects they take on and provide guidance on the direction the business takes with regards to further building their BNG capability.

You will also be well supported with your work as this business has in-house ecology, landscape design and GIS capability. There are also Ecologists within your team who are eager to develop in this field, through the successful candidates support and mentorship.

This business also trades biodiversity units, through an increasing portfolio of off-site habitat banks, offering another interesting dynamic to this role.

Benefits/Perks

1. Annual bonus scheme (up to 10%, based on individual and business performance)
2. Company vehicle
3. Subsidised national gym memberships
4. Nursery Vouchers, Cycle to work scheme and Travel loans
5. Bupa employee support, Free Flu Jabs, online private GP service and a premium subscription to Calm, the wellbeing app
6. A supportive, entrepreneurial working environment that fosters collaboration

Key responsibilities

1. Lead and oversee planning initiatives, prioritising Biodiversity Net Gain objectives
2. Offer specialised guidance on biodiversity preservation and enhancement to internal teams, clients, and external partners
3. Design and execute Biodiversity Net Gain strategies that comply with current laws, metrics, and industry standards
4. Cultivate and sustain relationships with Local Planning Authorities, conservation bodies, Wildlife Trusts, and key stakeholders
5. Work closely with ecologists, landscape architects, and engineers to embed biodiversity goals into project designs
6. Prepare technical documents for planning applications, condition compliance, and Habitat Management and Monitoring Plans
7. Keep informed about new developments in biodiversity conservation and relevant planning policies
8. Guide, mentor, and provide support to junior team members on biodiversity-focused planning processes

Interview Criteria

1. A significant amount of post-degree experience in an Ecology-based role. Essential
2. Expert-level Biodiversity Net Gain experience, e.g., utilisation of the metric, conservation and enhancement strategy, project management, design, and training/mentoring. Essential
3. Hold an Ecology/Environmental based degree at BSc / MSc level. Essential
4. Be a member of CIEEM. Essential
5. Stakeholder/client management experience. Essential
6. Have a desire to line manage/mentor more junior team members. Desirable

About Ford & Stanley Group

Ford & Stanley Talent Services Group are in the business of people and performance. Our mission is to create one million better workdays through facilitating great recruitment, leadership and occupational mental fitness. We support our clients in their most challenging business areas - recruiting, developing and retaining the best talent from shop floor to boardroom.

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Ford & Stanley Talent Services Group Ltd is a Disability Confident employer that is committed to a policy of equal opportunities for all opportunity seekers. We shall adhere to such a policy at all times and will review on an on-going basis all aspects of recruitment to avoid unlawful or undesirable discrimination. We will treat everyone equally irrespective of sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, age, disability, colour, race, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief or political beliefs and we place an obligation upon all staff to respect and act in accordance with the policy.