Development Officer (Natural Environment) Temp Part time

Honeycomb are delighted to be working with Ards and North Down Borough Council to recruit a Development Officer - Natural Environment- this is a part time post and will be on a temporary basis.

Are you enthusiastic about nature, people, and creating thriving, sustainable places? Do you want to play a key role in protecting and enhancing the natural environment while inspiring communities to connect with their local green spaces? If so, this could be the perfect opportunity for you.

Ards and North Down Borough Council is seeking an enthusiastic and driven Development Officer (Natural Environment) to help shape, deliver, and champion our natural environment and recreational spaces across the Borough.

The Role

As Development Officer - Natural Environment, you will:

Lead and support the development of our natural environment while enhancing recreational opportunities for residents and visitors.
Work collaboratively with communities, partner organisations, and stakeholders to deliver innovative, sustainable environmental projects.
Promote the appreciation, enjoyment, and responsible use of Council-owned parks, nature sites, and green spaces.
Play a vital role in delivering the Council's environmental priorities, with a strong focus on biodiversity, climate recovery, and sustainability.

This is a dynamic role that blends strategic planning, hands-on project delivery, partnership working, and community engagement.

Key Responsibilities

You will:

Maintain and report on the Council's Environmental Strategies, including the Local Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP).
Identify potential Local Nature Reserves and advise on their designation.
Develop and coordinate innovative environmental projects, events, and citizen science programmes that engage local communities.
Lead consultations with residents, community groups, landowners, and elected members on environmental and recreational initiatives.
Work in partnership with organisations to improve natural habitats and access to nature.
Help secure funding and manage budgets to support environmental projects.
Provide technical advice, prepare reports, and present to Council committees and working groups.
Support the Planning Service on applications with natural environment considerations.
Promote the work of Parks & Cemeteries through collaboration with Communications and Marketing.
Ensure all work complies with relevant legislation, policies, and health and safety requirements.

*Please note occasional evening, weekend, and public holiday work may be required to meet service needs.

Essential Criteria

Qualifications

Level 4 or above in a relevant discipline such as:

Ecology
Nature Conservation
Environmental Sciences
Countryside Management

Experience (Minimum 2 years, with evidence)

You must be able to demonstrate experience in:

Working with the Local Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP) process.
Writing and presenting technical reports to management.
Engaging effectively with partners, community groups, volunteers, and the public.
Delivering successful environmental projects and driving continuous improvement.
Understanding current environmental legislation.

Why Join Us?

This is your chance to make a real, lasting impact on the environment and communities of Ards and North Down. You will be at the forefront of protecting nature, enhancing biodiversity, and helping people connect with the natural world around them.

If you are motivated, collaborative, and enthusiastic about sustainability, we want to hear from you.

If you would like to apply or find out more about this role, please contact Geraldine Stevenson at Honeycomb using the details provided.

If you have a disability and require support at any stage of the recruitment process, please let us know so appropriate arrangements can be made.

Please note successful applicants may be required to complete a Basic or Enhanced Access NI check (cost approximately £18+, depending on role requirements). A criminal record will