Environment and Sustainability Officer

Hertford Town Council - Hertford, NC

Full-time

Hertford, NC

About the position

The Environment and Sustainability Officer will play a crucial role in supporting the Council's objectives related to carbon reduction and environmental sustainability. This position involves managing various workstreams, collaborating with the Senior Management Team, and leading initiatives that enhance the natural environment and promote biodiversity in Hertford. The officer will also seek grant funding for environmental projects and engage with the community to foster sustainable practices.

Responsibilities

• Lead on the delivery of the Council's Environment and Sustainability Strategy and associated action plan.
• Act as the Council's lead officer on projects, policies, and initiatives relating to the Council's adopted Environmental Sustainability Strategy, ensuring the Council delivers on its pledge to achieve carbon net zero by 2030.
• Deliver existing projects and initiatives to enhance the natural environment and increase biodiversity, as well as devise and deliver new areas of work.
• Produce accurate progress reports for the Environment and Community Services Committee and any relevant working parties, ensuring that Councillors are fully briefed on projects and have opportunities to introduce ideas for new initiatives.
• Manage the Council's current initiatives that form part of the Council's Action Plan, whilst exploring new projects such as woodland burials.
• Maintain and update the Environmental Sustainability section of the Council's website.
• Apply for grants and funding to support green initiatives in Hertford. Achieve external accreditation where possible.
• Support the delivery of Hertford's annual Eco-Fest event.
• Be the first point of contact for the Council's environmental projects, including enquiries from the local community.
• Work in collaboration with neighbouring Town, District and County Councils and related organisations/campaigns as appropriate; building up both a network of contacts and a reputation for innovation in the local authority sector.
• Provide expert guidance and advice on sustainable practices across all Council operations and projects.
• Lead on communication with the local community and stakeholders, to encourage businesses and residents to reduce carbon emissions; increase energy efficiency and measures to increase biodiversity reporting progress to Full Councils and Committees as appropriate.
• Facilitate community liaison regarding environmental initiatives and innovations.
• Advise the Council on how environmental considerations can be taken into account in areas such as waste reduction, recycling, procurement and day to day operations.
• Prepare draft Town Council Communications in relation to the climate and nature agenda, including writing articles and social media posts in a variety of publications.
• Undertake such other duties and responsibilities, including attending meetings, commensurate with the level of the post and in accordance with the job purpose, as required by the Senior Management Team.

Requirements

• Educated to Degree level or equivalent experience.
• Experience in the field of environmental sustainability, carbon reduction, biodiversity, etc.
• Experience of working on own initiative and as part of a team.
• Successful track record of delivering climate and nature projects.
• Strong understanding of climate and nature challenges within the context of local communities, particularly the role of Town Councils.
• High standard of IT ability (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, internet, social media).
• Strong administrative and organisational skills; ability to work in a logical manner, plan and organise own work, meet strict deadlines, attention to detail, maintain accurate records.
• Good judgement and ability to manage own workload and work well under pressure.
• Confident in liaising with Officers, Members, Committee Members, Volunteers and the general public.

Nice-to-haves

• Evidence of leading community engagement exercises.
• Understanding and experience of complex project management.
• Strong presentation skills.
• Experience of Canva or similar.
• Expertise in partnership working and developing relationships with key stakeholders.
• Experience of developing project communications.

Benefits

• Salary Scale Points 20-23 (£30,296 to £32,076 + Local Weighting and 5% loyalty bonus after 3 years' service)