Job Purpose Ensure activities and projects are delivered to meet corporate objectives and targets in sustainable land management in line with the NNPA Management Plan, Business Plan and Natural Environment Vision (NEV). Lead on advice relating to agri-environment and the sustainable use of Natural Capital. Engaging with the relevant partner organisations, communities, and individuals to develop and deliver innovative and enterprising solutions. Split delivery area between an assigned geographical patch within the National Park and specialism, which will include at least one of the following Natural Capital areas; biodiversity, water, soil health, trees and woodland & making space for nature. Responsibilities Strategy Development and Implementation Liaise with other staff, especially the Conservation and Environment Manager, Ecologist and Historic Environment Officer, to ensure effective targeting of schemes to secure delivery of the Authority’s strategies and corporate objectives, taking into account wider issues such as Natural Capital enhancement, climate change ambition and catchment planning. Project Development and Implementation Develop and implement a new approach to the management of the Authority’s land holdings connected to the sustainable use of the land. Help to identify and develop future projects including rural enterprise initiatives to address local needs and achieve strategic outcomes identified by the Authority and set within local community strategies. Provide advice on funding through the Authority’s and other Grants Schemes Provide advice and help in the development of projects to increase professionalism and provide skills development in upland land management. Ensure that work and service provision is carried out in a manner which safeguards the health and safety of the workforce and the general public observing and applying H & S Policy and Practices. Report to the designated H & S representative accidents and dangerous occurrences. Support and Advocacy Provide detailed technical advice, training to farmers, landowners and managers, staff and the Authority on all aspects of DEFRA’s agri-environment schemes. Working closely with partner organizations, ensure that these schemes are widely and effectively applied in the National Park to deliver the Authority’s Vision, statutory purposes and corporate objectives. Working with the team develop, monitor and review policy in relation to natural capital and the farmed landscape in order to achieve the Authority’s stated objectives and outcomes; Carry out monitoring of existing agri-environment schemes to ensure that the current management prescriptions are bringing about the desired improvements in habitats. Provide advice to land based businesses on the development of rural diversification projects, renewable energy and climate adaptation schemes. Promote traditional boundaries and provide advice on traditional boundary grants. Provide advice and support to encourage sustainable and appropriate woodland creation and forestry schemes, supporting the National Parks joint definition of Right Tree, Right place. Partnership and Liaison Through collaboration with other organisations, contribute to the development of the Authority’s role as a key consultee and advisor for the delivery of land based schemes, including the provision of land surveys, management plans, technical advice and training for applicants and their agents. Work with other staff within the Authority to interpret farming and related rural issues to a wider audience. Maintain and enhance the Authority’s landscape, woodland and forestry records and GIS database and liaise with other relevant organisations to develop common standards Deliver sustainable land management activities with a focus on empowering communities and enterprising local businesses and social enterprise. As part of a team, support a culture which fosters innovation, creativity, open communication and collaboration throughout the Authority. Asset and Performance Mananagement Report regularly on NEV targets and outcomes for landholdings. Report and manintain service targets for volunteer engagement. Manage and report outcomes for income generation through available funding mechanisms. To be willing to undertake relevant management training (ILM level 4 or above) Other Duties Write reports for the Authority and Leadership Team as required. Proactively support the promotion of equality and inclusion in all areas of work. Undertake any other duties consistent with the post as may be directed by the Conservation and Environment Manager. Person Specification Essential Requirements Knowledge Educated to degree level in a land based discipline or equivalent level of experience. Knowledge of upland species and habitats. Experience Extensive experience and in-depth knowledge of upland farming and land management systems. Experience of working with agri-environment schemes. Experience of working with farmers and landowners and other statutory agencies. Skills Geographical Information Systems. Good interpersonal skills and especially an ability to communicate well with land managers. Personal Qualities Ability to travel to sites throughout the National Park in order to fulfil the requirements of the post. Desirable Requirements Knowledge of National Park purposes. Experience of budget management. Experience of working with a wide range of stakeholders including volunteers. Detailed knowledge of the agencies involved in the rural economy and awareness of the government’s new agenda for modernising rural delivery. Habitat and vegetation monitoring skills. An ability to express complex ideas clearly in a written form. An appreciation of the issues related to open access. Management qualification Northumberland National Park Authority is dedicated to protecting and enhancing the natural beauty, wildlife, and cultural heritage of Northumberland’s stunning landscapes. As part of our work, we support sustainable development within the Park, supporting thriving rural communities and responsible land management. Are you passionate about protected landscapes? Do you want to help farmers to farm more sustainably in a National Park? We have a full time fixed term position for someone with integrity and drive for delivering sustainability within a protected landscape. We are seeking an enthusiastic and knowledgeable Farming and Rural Enterprise Officer to join our team. This is an exciting opportunity to help shape the future of farming, forestry, and rural business in one of the most beautiful and diverse areas of the UK. As the Farming and Rural Enterprise Officer, you will work closely with farmers, landowners, and rural enterprises to support sustainable land management and economic growth within the National Park. You will be responsible for offering expert advice on environmental stewardship, sustainable farming practices, rural diversification, and helping businesses adapt to challenges such as climate change, changing agricultural policy, and rural development. £32,076 - £35,745 per annum Full time, fixed term to 31/12/25 Based Hexham or Rothbury Flexi time Hybrid working Family friendly policies Personal and professional development Supportive culture with wellbeing and award winning mental health initiatives Local authority pension scheme You will need: Education to degree level in a land based discipline or equivalent level of experience. Knowledge of upland species and habitats. Extensive experience and in-depth knowledge of upland farming and land management systems. Experience of working with agri-environment schemes. Experience of working with farmers and landowners and other statutory agencies. Skills in Geographical Information Systems. Good interpersonal skills and especially an ability to communicate well with land managers. Ability to travel to sites throughout the National Park in order to fulfil the requirements of the post. For more information, please read the job pack available on our website. If this role sounds like it’s for you, then we really would like to hear from you. Please apply using the application form on our website. The Park Authority is an inclusive organisation, and we welcome applications from everyone irrespective of sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, religion and belief, pregnancy and maternity, relationship status, disability, age and social class. If you are an applicant with disabilities who meets the essential requirements of the post, we will interview you.