BNG Metric Team Senior Specialist - ( Ref : 6334 )
2 days ago
London
East Midlands (England), East of England, London (region), North East England, North West England, South East England, South West England, West Midlands (England), Yorkshire and the Humber Job Summary This position is based Nationally Job Description Join us in shaping a future where nature and people thrive. Whether you're drawn to hands-on conservation or playing a vital part behind the scenes, your work at Natural England will support lasting benefits for the environment and society. Our Role Natural England is the Government’s adviser for the natural environment and the Nature regulator with a wide range of statutory duties and powers. We provide the evidence, expertise and advice to recover Nature and shape better places for people to live. We do this working through and with others. Our Priorities We Will Focus On The Following Priorities: • Drive Nature recovery at a greater scale and faster pace than before by supporting large scale projects and making it easier for landowners to get permissions for Nature positive change., • Tackle the root causes of Nature’s decline working with Defra partners to ensure cleaner air, clean and plentiful water, healthier soils and rich, productive seas., • Partner with planners and developers on “high nature; low carbon” houses, energy and transport infrastructure and introduce strategic solutions so development can also protect and restore Nature., • Support food security and sustainable farming, forestry and fishing through targeted advice and the right mix of public and private finance., • Shape better places for people to work and live by providing clear evidence and advice to our partners, using spatial plans for Nature as a framework for investment and joined up action., • Connect communities with Nature and create Nature close to people’s homes, ensuring everyone gains from the health benefits Nature can bring. Find out more about the work of Natural England at ___Job Description The Role The Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) Metric Team sits within the Chief Scientist Directorate in Natural England and operates at the interface between science and policy. The Biodiversity Metric is fundamental to BNG, and it provides the measurability that the entire policy is based upon. The BNG Metric Team leads on the development of the Biodiversity Metric Toolkit and the science and evidence that underpins it. We balance policy ambition and ecological credibility using creative design and problem solving to find bespoke solutions to policy and technical challenges. This enables Biodiversity Net Gain and other policy areas to access a straightforward, robust and repeatable means of auditing and accounting for biodiversity gains and losses. This is an exciting opportunity to join the team responsible for the ongoing development of the biodiversity metric. This important tool is key to BNG and other emerging policy areas. We are looking to appoint experienced individuals with good ecological knowledge, an understanding of Excel and strong communication skills to provide strategic and technical leadership around the future development and testing of Biodiversity Metric tools within Natural England and with key partners and stakeholders. The successful candidate will be based within the Metric Team but will work alongside other BNG programme delivery, monitoring and data leads, other colleagues across the Defra family, and a wide range of stakeholders including the development industry, local authorities, and environmental Non-Governmental Organisation (NGOs). Key Tasks/Principal Accountabilities • A sound knowledge of general ecological principles relating to the creation/enhancement and management of a wide range of habitats and associated features, • A good working knowledge of wider environmental protections in the UK planning system and industry – e.g. protected sites, mitigation hierarchy, district level licencing, irreplaceable habitats etc., • A good understanding of broad BNG policy and wider planning policy, • A good working knowledge of the biodiversity metric and the ability to work collaboratively to make, recommend and defend changes to it., • The ability to advise on the parameters for assessing condition, delivery risks and creation/enhancement timescales for a wide range of habitats, • A good knowledge of a range of habitat classification systems used in the UK, • Strong communication, presentation and negotiation skills – oral and written, • A strong track record of partnership working and the ability to listen, empathise with and take on board others’ views whilst presenting potential options, • The ability to analyse large and complex data sets and a strong track record of using evidence and analysis to articulate complex arguments to a range of audiences to draw consensus and influence outcomes., • A strong track record of leading and delivering complex projects and outputs accurately and effectively to tight timescales, • A comprehensive knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint Knowledge, Skills & Experience • Work collaboratively as part of a small remote team to provide strategic, technical and thought leadership around the future development and testing of Biodiversity Metric tools., • Work in collaboration with other teams in Natural England, across the Defra family and with other key partners and stakeholders., • Provide advice on the future development and strategic use of the Biodiversity Metric in Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) and influence its use in BNG and other broader policy areas., • Work effectively with and influence a range of policy, delivery and analytical colleagues at different levels in the organisation, in Defra and external agencies and critically appraise the application of the Biodiversity Metric (latest version) by third parties (e.g. developers, consultants and local planning authorities)., • Develop, model and present proof of concept ideas to support recommendations for future changes to the metric., • Use ecological expertise and input from habitat specialists to make recommendations for future changes to the ecological data underpinning the Statutory Biodiversity Metric., • Review and make revisions to the Statutory Biodiversity Metric Condition Assessments in consultation with Natural England’s habitat specialists. This includes completing ecological field work and site visits when required., • Review and revise the Excel based Statutory Biodiversity Metric Calculation Tool and the Small Sites version., • Review the statutory biodiversity metric guidance and other guidance documents for internal and external audiences, including those that relate to the principles and policies of net gain along with the application of the Statutory Biodiversity Metric and the associated calculation tool. Liaise with internal and external experts, networks and partners, to ensure effective stakeholder engagement in relation to future updates to the Metric and its use in BNG, that Draws on the latest thinking within the sector., • Use Excel and R to generate outputs from the biodiversity metric. Analyse this alongside ecological research and other data to make informed recommendations and improvements to the metric., • Use strong analytical skills and excellent oral and written communication skills to develop novel ways of communicating highly technical concepts to non-technical audiences and train, develop and lead others on the Biodiversity Metric. You will also have the opportunity to contribute to the wider delivery and work of the BNG teams to provide advice around the principles and wider application of the Statutory Biodiversity Metric and its application in Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects. It should be noted that we are working in an evolving policy area. The successful candidate will therefore need to be willing to adapt in response to changing demands on the team. Benefits At Natural England, we support a healthy work-life balance by offering full-time, part-time, and flexible working arrangements. We provide excellent opportunities for career progression, training, and development tailored to your role. This includes ten days annually for personal learning and development, plus three additional days for volunteering. You’ll receive a generous leave allowance of 33 days per year (pro rata), access to the Civil Service Pension scheme with a 28.97% employer contribution, and a range of benefits such as shopping discounts and a cycle-to-work scheme. Staff can also join the Civil Service Sport club for discounts on sports, leisure activities, and social events. We are committed to fairness, equality, and inclusivity. Our employee-led diversity networks help foster a welcoming environment where everyone feels valued and supported. Locations Natural England has adopted hybrid working – which means our staff work from a flexible range of locations, encompassing home, offices (ours and our partners) and relevant sites. All new staff will be formally linked to one of our 25 offices across England, and the expectation is that all new staff will be able to access their local office to be part of the community of staff in their geographical area. Staff are expected to attend their associated office for 20% of their contractual hours. Staff members are required to carry out all their duties working in this way and cannot do so from an overseas location at any time. Travel expenses will be paid if work-related travel is required but does not apply to travel between home and your associated office. National team roles can be linked with any Natural England office while Area Team roles will be linked with an office in the relevant geographic area. View a map of our office locations here: ___. Pay It is Natural England policy to employ at the entry point of the salary range. You will become an active member of the relevant local leadership community, the group of senior Natural England staff in each of the localities across England who we ask to provide support and co-ordination for the local group of staff. How To Apply We welcome and encourage applications from all communities. Natural England is accredited to the Disability Confident Scheme, which denotes organisations which have a positive attitude towards disabled people. Disabled applicants who meet the minimum requirements for the role at the shortlisting stage are guaranteed an invitation to interview. If you require a reasonable adjustment at interview, or there is anything else you would like the panel to take into consideration, you should notify us of this at application stage where possible, or well in advance of your interview. We now provide primary interview questions in advance for all formal recruitments. This vacancy uses competency-based assessment. We'll assess you against the competencies below during the selection process: • Technical Skills and Knowledge, • Personal Effectiveness, • Work Delivery, • Putting People at the Heart of the Environment When completing the application form you should present relevant examples using the STAR format. Give us an example of how you have demonstrated the competency (which can be work related or from another area of your life) and tell us about the Situation, the specific Task you had to undertake, the specific Actions you took, and the Result (both immediate and in a wider context) of your Action. Please note that STAR format is not required when answering a Technical Skills & Knowledge competency. Examples should be given in no more than 250 words for each competency. If you are successful at the shortlisting stage, you will be invited to attend an interview via MS Teams or a suitable alternative, where you will be asked to give examples for all competencies as set out in the Job Description. Please note: Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application. However, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our ___ for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use. Competencies Competence 1 Professional competency Detail Technical Skills and Knowledge Description Competencies Technical Skills and Knowledge • Hold a degree in a relevant field or demonstrate an equivalent level of applied experience. Applicants without a related degree should clearly outline their relevant experience and achievements that showcase comparable knowledge and expertise. (Essential), • Demonstrate a sound knowledge of general ecological principles relating to the creation/enhancement and management of a wide range of habitats and associated features. (Essential), • Demonstrate the ability to make, recommend and defend changes to the Biodiversity Metric, Calculation Tool, Condition Assessments and Guidance. (Essential), • A good knowledge of a range of habitat classification systems used in the UK. (Essential), • Demonstrate the ability to advise on the parameters for assessing condition, delivery risks and creation/enhancement timescales for a wide range of habitats. (Essential), • Be able to demonstrate a good understanding of the principles and policies that relate to net gain and the Biodiversity Metric. (Essential), • Technical and applied experience of the UK planning system, legislation, national policy and experience with Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects. (Desirable) Competence 2 Professional competency Detail Personal Effectiveness Description • Understand the full context of each case or project you work on and use interpretive, evaluative, analytical and problem-solving skills to make informed decisions about it. (Expert), • Make and explain objective decisions which combine your professional judgement and evidence. (Expert), • Test and challenge others in a constructive and evidence-based way providing scientific scrutiny, challenge and assurance to casework and other delivery that is practical and, where appropriate, cross-disciplinary. (Expert) Competence 3 Professional competency Detail Putting People at the Heart of the Environment Description • Nurture trusting partnerships and collaborate to achieve pragmatic outcomes that help deliver the organisation you represent vision, mission and aims. (Practitioner), • Build relationships and effective networks both externally and internally to bring in fresh perspectives, approaches and evidence to raise the profile of both your individual specialist work and that of the organisation you represent. (Expert) Competence 4 Professional competency Detail Work Delivery Description • Manage and deliver your work to meet agreed targets and deadlines. (Expert), • Handle data responsibly, understand your role in good governance, and comply with delegations, policies and procedures. (Practitioner) Join us in shaping a future where nature and people thrive. Whether you're drawn to hands-on conservation or playing a vital part behind the scenes, your work at Natural England will support lasting benefits for the environment and society. Our Role Natural England is the Government’s adviser for the natural environment and the Nature regulator with a wide range of statutory duties and powers. We provide the evidence, expertise and advice to recover Nature and shape better places for people to live. We do this working through and with others. Our Priorities Description • Manage and deliver your work to meet agreed targets and deadlines. (Expert), • Handle data responsibly, understand your role in good governance, and comply with delegations, policies and procedures. (Practitioner) Person specification Please Refer To Job Description Alongside your salary of £37,950, Natural England contributes £10,994 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. ___ • Learning and development tailored to your role, • An environment with flexible working options, • A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity, • A ___ with an employer contribution of 28.97% Artificial intelligence Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our ___ for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use. Selection process details Please Refer To Job Description Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment. Security Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check. People working with government assets must complete ___ checks. Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check. People working with government assets must complete ___ checks. Nationality requirements This Job Is Broadly Open To The Following Groups: • UK nationals, • nationals of the Republic of Ireland, • nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK, • nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the ___, • nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS), • individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020, • Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service ___Working for the Civil Service The ___ sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants. We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's ___. The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria. The ___ sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants. We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's ___. The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria. Diversity and Inclusion The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the ___ and the ___. The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. ___. Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records. Contact point for applicants Job Contact : • Name : Isla McGregor, • Telephone : 07584 144533 Recruitment team Further information
Chef & Cook
Waiters
Bar Staff
Retail
Kitchen Porter
Barista
Fast Food
Accounting & Finance
Animal Care
Art, Media, Design
Child Care
Cleaning
Construction & Trades
Customer Service
Driver & Delivery
Education
Engineering
Entertainment
Events & Promotion
Fashion
Healthcare
Host & Hostess
Information Technology
Legal
Management
Manufacturing
Office & Admin
Online Jobs
Sales & Marketing
Salon & Beauty
Science
Security
Sports & Wellness
Warehouse
Writing & Editing
Other
Page 6