Principal Environmental Assessment Officer

BBT

Job Description

Role

The postholder will be a member of a multidisciplinary team of staff responsible to the Policy and Environmental Planning Manager for leading on all Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA), Sustainability Appraisal (SA) and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) work undertaken by the section. Work will be largely divided between (1) the SEA/SA work required in conjunction with the preparation of the emerging Local Development Framework and other published plans and programmes in Planning and Transportation and (2) EIA Screening and Scoping and the assessment of Environmental Statements associated with development proposals.

Tasks

Under the direction of the Policy and Environmental Planning Manager, to assist with work on the following matters:

• To lead on all SEA and SA work required for the preparation of the Local Development Framework and subsequent reviews, including the identification of baseline information, scoping, the assessment of alternatives, the predication, evaluation and any mitigation of effects, stakeholder involvement and monitoring.
  
• To develop a project brief, working with the PEP Manager, setting out the SEA and SA processes and timetabling required for the preparation of the Local Development Framework and subsequent reviews.
  
• To prepare screening opinions on other plans and programmes undertaken within the Planning and Transportation Services Group and to lead on any required SEA work including the identification of baseline information, scoping, the assessment of alternatives, the predication, evaluation and any mitigation of effects, stakeholder involvement and monitoring.
  
• To prepare screening opinions on other plans and programmes undertaken by the Council and where necessary, to lead on any required SEA work including the identification of baseline information, scoping, the assessment of alternatives, the predication, evaluation and any mitigation of effects, stakeholder involvement and monitoring.
  
• To prepare EIA screening opinions on development proposals (1) in response to requests to screening opinions and (2) as part of the section’s assessment of planning applications
  
• To prepare EIA scoping opinions on development proposals where screening opinions identify development as comprising Schedule 1 and where comprising Schedule 2 development which constitutes EIA development.
  
• To lead on the assessment of Environmental Statements, including interpretation of technical reports and appendices which may comprise part or all of the ES
  
• To ensure that the EIA register is maintained and kept up-to-date
  
• To provide guidance for any sub-ordinate staff engaged in the implementation of the above duties
  
• To prepare and present reports to Cabinet and the Planning and Transportation Portfolio members in relation to the above duties, and attend such meetings of the Council’s Cabinet and other Committees as required by the Head of Planning Services.
  
• Represent the Council at the meetings of sub-regional and London-wide bodies, including the Greater London Authority and the Association of London Government.
  
• To prepare an annual performance agreement and adhere to the Council’s system of performance management.
  
• To lead or participate in any related project teams which may from time to time be set up and take responsibility for leading the teams’ work on matters relating to SEA, SA or EIA
  
• Undertake any other related duties commensurate with the general level of responsibility of the post.

Requirements

Degree qualified with experience in any of the following areas is required:

• Environmental Impact Asessment
  
• Strategic Environmental Assessment
  
• Sustainability Appraisals
  
• Ecology
  
• Policy and plan making
  
• Project preparation and implementation
  
• An interest in Ecology, biodiversity, sustainability or open land would be desirable.

Applicants must be currently residing in Australia and new Zealand.