Job Title: Natural Environment Team Leader
Hours: 37 hours per week
Salary: £46,142 to £50,269 per annum
Contract: Permanent
Location: Hereford
Closing Date: 24 May 2026
Interview Date: w/c 11 June 2026
The Role
Herefordshire Council is seeking a dynamic and experienced Team Leader for the Natural Environment team.
What will you be doing?
* Lead a multi-award‑winning team and act as the Council’s technical lead on ecology, biodiversity net gain, landscape, trees, open space and nature recovery.
* Manage a team of specialists delivering biodiversity and ecological services.
* Lead the implementation of the Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS).
* Provide expert advice to planning and development teams.
* Oversee the Herefordshire Biological Records Service and Tree Preservation Orders.
* Develop and deliver innovative projects including habitat restoration and species protection.
* Represent the Council in regional and national forums, appeals and media enquiries.
* Manage budgets and funding bids to support environmental priorities.
* Promote community engagement through volunteering and citizen science.
* Support the Nutrient Management Plan for the River Wye and River Lugg.
About You
You will be a confident and collaborative leader with:
* A strategic mindset with the ability to deliver complex environmental programmes.
* Significant experience in one or more of the following: ecology, biodiversity net gain, landscape, trees, open space and nature recovery.
* Significant experience of the UK planning systems.
* Strong stakeholder engagement and project management skills.
* A full driving licence and willingness to undertake site visits.
* A degree in ecology, environmental science, or a related field.
We Offer
A competitive salary, holiday entitlement, and access to our contributory pension and staff benefits scheme.
* Salary range of £46,142 – £50,269 (HC 10).
* Enrolment in the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
* Career progression: clear pathways to progress.
* Annual leave: 31 days per annum (pro rata) plus bank holidays; optional purchase of an additional 10 days per year.
* Flexible working including the potential for job‑sharing, part‑time hours and agile working.
* Employee Assistance Programme: 24/7 access to support and counselling.
* Payment of professional membership fees (based on role requirements).
* Access to a range of retail, leisure, holiday and health benefits.
EQUALITY AND INCLUSION
In line with our commitment to diversity, the following candidates will be interviewed if they meet the essential criteria for the post:
* Those who indicate that they have a disability. This is part of our commitment to the “Disability Confident” scheme.
* Those who indicate in their application that they are an Armed Forces Veteran or Reservist. This is part of our pledge to support the Armed Forces Covenant.
* Those who indicate in their application that they are a Herefordshire care leaver. This is part of our commitment to supporting young people leaving our care.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. If you are offered this position, it will be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service check.
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