Environment Project Officer

Essex is committed to enabling inclusive economic growth, helping people get the best start and age well, helping create great places to grow up, live and work and transforming the Council to achieve more with less.

The Environment Officer has responsibility for working collaboratively with partners to develop and deliver a community carbon reduction programme and a broad sustainability agenda covering climate change and sustainable development.

Educated to degree level in a relevant environmental subject with a good understanding of international, European, national and local sustainability context.  Experience of environmental management assessment systems and the ability to transfer generic environmental priorities into key deliverables.

Accountabilities

Contribute to the preparation of reports and papers on environmental developments/issues and policy to Senior Officers and elected Members, ensuring they are provided with sufficient information for effective decision-making.

Contribute towards maximising education and awareness opportunities and raising the importance of the environment and public profile to facilitate action on climate change.

Contribute to the delivery of environmental projects that maximise local, national, and European external funding opportunities, while delivering and responding to Essex County Council and Essex wide environmental challenges and priorities.

Responsible for monitoring environmental legislation and other relevant developments to ensure timely delivery of government and corporate initiatives and targets, including national and local performance indicators, seeking opportunities to work in partnership with Essex District, Borough and City Councils and unitary authorities.

Represent and negotiate on behalf of Essex County Council, Waste and Environment on corporate and directorate working groups, public meetings, local and regional networks and partnerships.

Specific individual and shared targets and objectives are defined annually within the performance management framework.

Skills, Knowledge and Experience

Educated to RQF level 6 (Bachelor’s degree) in a relevant environmental subject or equivalent by experience.

Evidence of continuing professional development and knowledge in relevant professional area.

Good understanding of international, European, national and local sustainability context including legislation, academic and political thinking and its implications.

Experience of environmental management assessment systems and their application within a large multi-service organisation.

Good understanding and ability to transfer generic environmental priorities, philosophy and methodology, to action programmes and deliverables.

Understanding of sustainability appraisal and environmental monitoring methodologies.

Understanding and knowledge of the remit of key agencies and barriers to greater integration.

Good knowledge and understanding of regional, national and international environment based external funding programs.

To read more about us please visit: People, Policy, Economy and Public Health - Working for Essex

Why Essex?

As one of the largest and most dynamic UK local authorities, Essex offers a stimulating public service environment. Covering over 1,420 square miles and serving 1.8 million residents, we’re committed to transformational change and delivering better quality at lower cost. Recognised in the top three of the latest IMPOWER index for productivity, we ensure everyone matters in Everyone's Essex. With flexible working options and a focus on innovation, whether you are looking to develop your career or contribute to the local community, Essex is the ideal place for you.

In February 2025, Greater Essex was accepted onto the Government’s devolution priority programme, which will see local authorities in Essex work towards establishing a Mayoral Combined County Authority by May 2026. You can read more about devolution and local government reorganisation (LGR) on our careers site.

Essex County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader. We’re committed to interview all disabled applicants who choose to apply under our Job Interview Scheme if they meet the minimum requirements of the job. Please speak to our Recruiters if you require any reasonable adjustments during the process. We’re also committed to interview all veterans and care leavers, who meet the minimum requirements of the role for which they are applying.

Once you’ve secured your role within Essex County Council you will receive many great employee benefits, including support for unpaid carers and flexible working arrangements to accommodate their needs.

At Essex County Council, we value integrity and ethical behaviour. We kindly ask that you embrace our code of conduct and the Nolan principles, including throughout the recruitment process. Your commitment to these standards helps us maintain a positive and respectful workplace for everyone.

Essex County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.

If you would like to be kept up to date on other relevant opportunities, blogs, news, events and industry related news at Essex County Council, please join The Essex Talent Community

If you have queries on this role or require anything further, please email resourcing.team@essex.gov.uk

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