Project Support Officer – Climate and Nature

Location: Flexible Working with Barrow, Kendal or Penrith as a base

Contract: 1 x Fixed term, 2 x Permanent

About this Opportunity

Are you passionate about nature recovery and enhancing our natural environment? Are you keen to support the council to do what it can to help reduce carbon emissions? Do you have a keen eye for detail and a proven track record of delivering complex projects? If so, we want to hear from you!

Westmorland and Furness have identified biodiversity and climate change as key priorities for the Council and are seeking a highly organised, motivated and dedicated Project Support Officer with excellent knowledge of nature recovery who can assist with developing and delivering the Council’s Nature and Biodiversity Action Plan in line with the Cumbria Local Nature Recovery Strategy.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a wide range of internal and external nature projects and programmes.
• Work with colleagues and key partners to develop and implement nature recovery initiatives.
• Allocate, monitor and manage activities to ensure effective and timely project delivery.
• Maintain an oversight of all risks associated with delivery of projects and programmes.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues, elected members, stakeholders, and contractors.
• Provide support, guidance, and task management to other staff as required.
• Ensure that national best practice and statutory / regulatory requirements are implemented.
• Use technical skills to prepare and monitor projects and programmes.
• Identify and apply for additional funding opportunities.
• Prepare briefing notes, discussion documents, consultation, and formal reports.

Essential Criteria

• Degree level or equivalent in a relevant field.
• Knowledge of climate change and nature recovery.
• Knowledge on nature enhancement and protection.
• Knowledge of public, private, and third-sector organisations.
• Successful experience of coordinating, planning, and managing complex projects.
• Ability to work on own initiative and to work as part of a team.
• Ability to analyse and interpret information, undertake research, and make recommendations.
• Experience of working with a multi-disciplinary workforce.
• Experience of working within a political framework.
• Customer-focused approach and commitment to excellent customer service.
• Commitment to equal opportunities.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience of habitat assessment, management, and creation
• Experience of data handling and management such as Geographical Information Systems

If this sounds like an opportunity you would be interested in, and you’re looking for a role where you can make a positive difference to the environment, then please apply today.

If you are interested and would like to have an informal discussion, please contact [email protected]

Application and Interview information

Interview date: Week beginning 12th of May.