Biodiversity and Climate Project Support Officer
Hours: 37 Hours Weekly (12 Month Fixed-Term Contract)
Location: Huntingdon
Contract Type: Fixed term full time
Closing Date: 21 February 2025 09:00
Huntingdonshire District Council (HDC) is passionate about providing high-quality services to our communities, residents, and businesses. This means we must employ and retain the most talented and dedicated people.
Situated within the heart of the Cambridge-Peterborough Growth Area, Huntingdonshire is a beautiful district that boasts thriving market towns and many attractive villages, each with its own identity. We are an innovative and forward-thinking local authority whose residents are at the heart of our decision-making.
At HDC, we want to employ staff who embody our icare values (Inspiring, Collaborative, Accountable, Respectful, Enterprising), all of which support our ultimate purpose of putting our customers first.
Job details
Are you passionate about biodiversity, climate action, and making a real impact in your community? Do you thrive in a role where you can engage with local stakeholders, support meaningful projects, and contribute to a greener future? If so, this could be the perfect opportunity for you!
As a Biodiversity and Climate Project Support Officer, you will play a key role in supporting 2 vital projects:
1. Biodiversity for All - a nature restoration initiative investing in tree planting and wildflower areas to create a more sustainable future.
2. Net Zero Villages - a grant funding scheme empowering rural communities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and move towards net zero.
This is an exciting opportunity to work with an internal team, local councils, and community groups to drive environmental change. You will provide project and administrative support, ensuring smooth operations from planning to delivery.
What you'll be doing:
1. Supporting stakeholders, community groups, and local councils through the Net Zero Villages grant process.
2. Assisting in the management, promotion, and administration of biodiversity improvement schemes.
3. Responding to queries and supporting project partners with advice and guidance.
4. Organising meetings, taking notes, and tracking key actions.
5. Working with HDC's Communications Team to promote both projects via the council's website and social media.
6. Keeping up to date with relevant legislation on biodiversity and climate initiatives.
7. Managing project inboxes, responding to public and partner enquiries.
8. Assisting in the production of reports and monitoring project progress.
Who we're looking for:
1. You're organised, proactive, and passionate about climate and biodiversity.
2. You have strong administrative skills with experience in managing databases and grant schemes.
3. You have excellent communication skills, able to engage with a variety of stakeholders.
4. You have a keen eye for detail and the ability to manage multiple tasks effectively.
5. You are proficient in Microsoft Office 365, including spreadsheets and databases.
6. You have a positive, team-oriented attitude with a passion for environmental projects.
7. A background in local government, knowledge of biodiversity net gain, or experience in grant administration would be advantageous, but not essential.
What's in it for you?
1. The chance to contribute to impactful environmental projects that shape the future of Huntingdonshire.
2. The opportunity to develop your skills in climate action, community engagement, and project support.
3. A supportive and collaborative work environment where your ideas are valued.
4. A role that aligns with your passion for sustainability and biodiversity.
An offer of employment is conditional upon having the right to work in the UK. Huntingdonshire District Council does not hold a Sponsorship Licence and is unable to provide a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) or take over sponsorship for any role.
To apply for this position, please complete the application form. The closing date is 9am 21 February 2025 and interviews will be held the week commencing 10 March 2025.
However, this is a rolling campaign, and we'll be reviewing applications on an ongoing basis and will close the advert early should we receive suitable applications, so please don't delay in applying!
For many of our roles (and where it is possible), we are currently working remotely and anticipate in the future returning to a hybrid office model on a flexible basis. This will still include work from home and flexi-time opportunities to provide a good work-life balance whilst ensuring that teams benefit from in-person interaction. Candidates should therefore be within commutable distance of our offices in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire or able to attend meetings as required if further afield.
Please note that the official closing date is as above and will be the correct date. Some third-party websites may have different dates. Please refer to the HDC website for the official closing date to ensure you do not miss out on applying.
Working for the council
As an employer who values diversity of thought, we seek to employ candidates from a range of backgrounds in order to make our organisation more innovative. We are seeking candidates who are looking for their next career opportunity and are supportive employers, enabling our staff to work in an environment that produces high standards of work in an employee-led environment.
Equality, diversity, and inclusion are at the heart of our recruitment and along with our values, we are committed to creating an inclusive working environment, where diversity is valued and there is equality of opportunity. We therefore welcome applications from all sections of the community and we offer a range of benefits, including flexitime, to encourage a work-life balance.
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