The Biodiversity Officer is responsible for developing and implementing appropriate Biodiversity Action Plans within the GB Cement business.
Given the relative size and complexity of the Hope Cement Works, it is envisaged that the vast majority of time will be spent in relation to the land ownership associated with Hope, including active & inactive quarries, Welfare areas, the cement manufacturing plant and land occupied by tenant farmers. However, periodic support for the network of cement depots and terminals will also be required in order to best support the local operational management teams.
Key responsibilities:
Ownership for development and implementation of site Biodiversity Action Plans
Completing daily field work to monitor species, developing subsequent plans and taking practical action to implement positive change
Coordinating with internal and external resources to implement action plans where required
Provide in-house ecological advice and interface with specialist external ecologists where support is required
Assess and advise on, ecological impacts and appropriateness of any proposed mitigation and biodiversity enhancement measures
Assess and advise on, biodiversity net gain information and plans
Provide impartial assessment of the recommendations of any statutory and non-statutory organisations in relation to ecological improvement/biodiversity net gain
Be the primary interface for relevant external organisations, including cultivation of a strong network of contacts
Capture any best practice and case studies for wider sharing both within and outside the Breedon Group as required, encouraging generation of photographs for use in evidence packs and publications
Identify relevant knowledge gaps for the wider site teams in this area and identify, develop & roll-out (if necessary) appropriate training to aid their development
Encourage the involvement of the wider teams in biodiversity-related volunteering activities, including coordination where required
Attend, and contribute to, relevant conferences which you would be attending with the primary purpose of personal development
An early objective will be the consideration of the development of the Hope outdoor classroom environment and a personal outdoor office space which will generate associated responsibilities
The Biodiversity Officer will also deputise for the Environmental Coordinator when required, particularly for covering sickness & annual leave. Key duties may include but are not limited to:
Ensuring that all routine periodic environmental reporting is completed within the required timeframe
Interfacing with the Environment Agency for reporting purposes, including any permit breaches
Skills/knowledge/experience required:
Relevant professional qualification to degree level
Membership of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM) or the ability to meet eligibility criteria and a willingness to gain accreditation
Proven experience in a relevant field demonstrating an excellent understanding of current ecological issues
Demonstrable experience of undertaking and/or reviewing habitat and species surveys and ecological impact assessments
Working experience of the Biodiversity Net Gain Metric
An ability to provide clear and coherent advice where necessary
Ability to analyse, interpret and understand data in order to take information and implement effective change
Strong reporting skills
Ability to identify, develop and, if necessary, roll out training to colleagues in an effective manner
An understanding of relevant aspects of the national planning system
A working knowledge of protected species management
Ability to confidently utilise GIS
The ability to build strong relationships and influence both internally and externally
Good knowledge of core IT systems
Personal attributes:
An enthusiastic individual with a passion for knowledge sharing
Comfortable blending routine daily field work with longer term strategic development
Self-motivated in highly autonomous role and demonstrates self sufficiency
An effective team member when required
A level of empathy towards the goals of others in the subject matter area
A capability to step across and deputise when appropriate for the Environmental Coordinator without compromising on requirements of the core role
Facilities at Hope include free parking, golf course, fishing and sailing lakes, on site gym, and a subsidised canteen.
The Breedon Group places the highest importance on sustained standards of excellence in all aspects of Health, Safety and Environmental management and you will be expected to contribute to the zero-harm culture.