Join us as a Senior Business Conservation Adviser to oversee two of our renewable energy business conservation partnerships to de.....
Join us as a Senior Business Conservation Adviser to oversee two of our renewable energy business conservation partnerships to deliver an innovative shared vision for nature-rich solar farms.
RSPB’s Business Conservation Advice Unit are at the forefront of partnering with businesses across a range of sectors, such as housing, renewables, minerals, to create nature positive outcomes, to support a better environment in which we can live and their commitment to becoming nature positive. You will be part of a growing UK team who provide specialist ecological and conservation management advice to businesses.
What's the role about?
As a technical expert in ecology and conservation delivery, this is your chance to shape a more sustainable future, leading and managing the business conservation advice partnership with Lightrock Power and Elements Green whilst engaging with the wider renewable energy sector. You will share technical expertise to influence better business practices for nature and ultimately help raise the bar for nature-friendly renewable energy across the UK.
Reporting to the Head of Business Conservation Advice, you will:
Provide expert advice on nature conservation, best practices for habitat management and species conservation opportunities
Provide site appraisals to identify biodiversity risks and opportunities
Review planning documents and assist with the preparation of site designs and biodiversity management plans
Be responsible for ensuring the ongoing success of the partnerships through quality assurance and risk management
Ensure effective engagement with senior stakeholders in each partner organisation to maintain a high level of commitment from each
Seek development and growth opportunities to grow the impact of the partnership furthering the conservation delivery objectives
Be responsible for growing, collating and reporting the impact of the partnership to internal and external stakeholders
Ensure effective promotion and communication of the outputs of the partnership to stakeholders, both through formal reports and media publications
Be responsible for managing and tracking the budget associated with the partnership
Bring in wider RSPB knowledge expertise where relevant and facilitate regular policy knowledge exchange
Engage with the wider renewable energy sector to develop and promote opportunities to make renewable energy schemes nature-friendly
Support advice quality assurance across the wider team of business conservation advisers
Produce written materials such as management handbooks, standards and guidance
Represent the partnership on relevant external platforms such as government/industry/NGO expert groups
Essential skills, knowledge and experience:
Degree level qualification in a relevant subject or ability to show equivalent work experience
Previous experience of successful partnership working, between conservation organisations and industry, and/or in consultancy
Detailed understanding of nature conservation, sustainability and environmental issues including current wildlife and environmental legislation, policy, standards, established ecological guidance, Biodiversity Net Gain and planning systems
Understanding of habitat creation, maintenance, restoration, ecology and ecological mitigation and proven track record of providing ecological management advice for UK species and habitats
Ability to develop and plan strategies, rapidly analyse significant quantities of information, prioritise and balance a diverse workload often to tight deadline
Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills – including an ability to speak confidently and in public to a variety of audience and developing positive relationships
Competent user of core MS Office programs
Successful project management demonstrated by delivery of stated objectives, within budget and on time
Able to prioritise effectively, take responsibility, solve problems, quality assure work to a high standard, be self-sufficient yet able to work in a team and get things done
A full clean driving licence / willing and able to travel nationally, and overnight away from home as part of the job or be able to access locations without public transport
Desirable skills, knowledge and experience:
Experience working in the renewable energy sector
Knowledge and understanding of Nature-based solutions such as Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems, Green and Blue Infrastructure, Nutrient Neutrality
Understand the principles of landscape design
Use of Geographic Information Systems
Knowledge of Nature Positive and other business drivers
This is a permanent role for 37.5 hours per week. This is a remote role with some travel and site work required.
We are looking to conduct first interviews for this position from 4th November 2024 and second interviews from 11th November 2024. For further information please contact holly.jopson@rspb.org.uk
As part of this application process, you will be asked to provide a copy of your CV and complete an application form including evidence on how you meet the skills, knowledge, and experience listed above.
We are committed to developing an inclusive and diverse RSPB, in which everyone feels supported, valued, and able to be their full selves. To achieve our vision of creating a world richer in nature, we need more people, and more diverse people, on nature’s side. People of colour and people with a disability are currently underrepresented across the environment, climate, sustainability, and conservation sector. If you identify as a person of colour and/or disabled, we are particularly interested in receiving your application. Contact us to discuss any additional support you may need to complete your application.
The RSPB is an equal opportunities employer. This role is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
Before applying for this role, we recommend reading through the candidate guidance notes attached to the top of this advert.
