(fixed-term/secondment opportunity to cover maternity leave approximately 12 months)

The Council has recently adopted an Environment Strategy for the District. We have a five year plan to raise awareness and tackle the key challenges of climate change and the efficient use of resources along with protecting and improving our environment.

This role provides an opportunity to shape Huntingdonshire’s environment by encouraging environmental good practice in the District Council’s own operations and by developing projects included within the District’s Environment Strategy.

You will take an active role in the management and monitoring of the key environmental indicators included within the Strategy, as well as implementing a wide range of environmental initiatives designed to reduce Huntingdonshire’s ‘environmental footprint’.

1. Collate environmental performance information in line with the indicators outlined within the Environment Strategy year one action plan and National Performance Indicators.
2. Review progress of environment strategy for year one and set targets for year two.
3. Assist with the administration of the Local Authority Carbon Management Programme in partnership with Fenland District Council and the Carbon Trust.
4. Liaise internally and externally with partners to co-ordinate environmental information campaigns in the district and to promote the projects contained within the Environment Strategy.
5. Write press releases and prepare promotional materials both printed and web-based.
6. Support the implementation of the Council’s ‘Green Champions’ initiative to engage staff and mobilise the organisation.
7. Maintain the internal governance structure to support strategy implementation and the Huntingdonshire Environment Forum.
8. Respond to enquiries from the general public and partner organisations.
9. Any other duties as may be reasonably required from time to time.

Knowledge

Essential

• A good working knowledge of the principle of environmental sustainability.
• Knowledge of issues surrounding climate change mitigation and adaptation, efficient use of resources and protecting and improving the built and natural environment.

Desirable

• Knowledge of Environmental Management Systems.

Skills & Abilities

Essential

• Excellent communication, interpersonal skills (written and oral) with the ability to communicate at all levels.
• Ability to input technical information relating to environmental performance into computer spreadsheets.
• An aptitude for publicity and promotional work.
• The ability to work unsupervised and use own initiative.
• IT literacy – MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Web Editing.

Experience

Essential

• Proven experience of producing effective information materials for a variety of audiences.

Desirable

• Experience of formulating  environmental performance indicators.
• Experience of organising meetings and project groups.

Qualifications

Essential

• Degree or relevant qualification including significant environmental content.

Complexity and Creativity

• Manage time and prioritise activities effectively.
• Understanding of the environmental issues contained within the Council’s Environment Strategy.
• Understanding of the environmental impacts of the Councils business processes.
• Produce effective information materials for internal and external distribution.
• Create, maintain and enhance effective working relationships.
• Communicate effectively at all levels to create understanding and action.

Judgement and Decision Making

• Contribute to and influence Council policy on Environmental issues.
• Ability to act with tact and diplomacy and to build relationships with communities.
• Ability to influence management to adopt environmentally sound business processes.
• Knowledge of when to seek advice from senior staff.

Contacts     (Internal 60%, External 40%)

Internal

• Staff associated with environmental projects/initiatives, managers responsible for key business processes and awareness raising for all HDC Staff.

External

• The public, schools, community groups, local press and other media, partner organisations and business.

Other

• A current driving licence.
• A flexible approach to working hours.