Assistant Conservation Officer

Ecology Planning Advice Service

Ecology Planning Advice Service promotes SWT’s mission by supporting Local Planning Authorities around the county in reviewing planning applications for a range of projects, from small-scale developments to strategic housing and infrastructure projects.

The Role

We are looking for an Assistant Conservation Officer to assist in reviewing planning applications which are submitted to Local Planning Authorities in Surrey.

You will be responsible for reviewing technical information and preparing technical reports presenting the outcome of your assessments. Your project portfolio will be diverse, working in a dynamic and collaborative team. Your role will also involve data entry and management to support the team in delivering a high-quality and professional service.

This is primarily an office-based role at our HQ in Pirbright, however, flexible, hybrid working options are available; some site visits within the county will also be necessary. This is a permanent full-time role but we will consider part-time applications (please state as appropriate). You must be ready to travel, as required, to attend site meetings so a valid UK driver’s licence is essential and the ability to work flexible hours.

We operate a flexi policy and aim to provide a good work/life balance which can incorporate some home working whilst having an interesting and challenging working environment.

Criteria and Specification

Experience

• Demonstrable experience of providing ecological advice to developers and/or Local Planning Authorities (at least one year of relevant experience)
• Familiarity with biodiversity net gain assessments using the latest metrics.

Education

• Degree in ecology or other relevant subject or experience to evidence knowledge

Knowledge

• Evidence of an understanding of relevant UK legislation and planning policy, in addition to the application of best practice ecological survey guidelines.
• Knowledge of biodiversity net gain and its application.
• Good understanding of habitat and species management, in addition to mitigation requirements, at a local and landscape scale.
• Good knowledge of protected species surveys and mitigation techniques.

Skills

• Ability to respond promptly and professionally to clients with advice and consultation from colleagues if required.
• Ability to work as a team and liaise with a wide variety of people
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent report writing skills

Personal qualities

• Enthusiastic with an ability to inspire others
• Dedicated, proactive, adaptable and flexible to your approach to work
• Be personable and a team player with the ability to work on own initiative and independently when required.
• The ability to deal with a wide variety of people in a friendly and professional manner
• Passionate about nature conservation and the ethos of the Wildlife Trusts

The salary offered to successful applicants will be agreed based on qualifications and experience and will form part of a benefits package including: above minimum pension contributions, life assurance of 4 x salary, employee support scheme, 22 days holiday and flexible working policy.

We are committed to having an inclusive and diverse workplace and encourage applications from backgrounds which may be underrepresented in our sector, including people from minority ethnic backgrounds and people with disabilities.

We are committed to offering an interview to all candidates that meet the criteria for the post. Please let us know if you require any adjustment to make our recruitment process more accessible.

The deadline for applications is 12pm Wednesday 4th June 2025. Initial interviews will be held remotely via Microsoft Teams as applications are received then formally, in person, week commencing 9th June 2025. Our preference would be for interviews to be carried out in-person at our HQ in Pirbright; if an alternative is required, please advise accordingly.

Guided by a collaborative vision where we all play a part in connecting nature, we provide expert advice and guidance to landowners and managers, making sure the land we look after leads by example, while inspiring and educating people and organisations across the county on what they can do. By doing this we will create a Surrey that is full of diverse and abundant wildlife, where nature is at the heart of individual choices, corporate decisions, and local economic and policy making. One that helps tackle the ongoing climate emergency, while supporting the health and wellbeing of all who live here.