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, drive and enthusiasm for delivering sustainability within a protected landscape. We are seeking an experienced and knowledgeable person to join our team of specialists advising farmers and landowners. Travelling throughout Northumberland National Park, you will work alongside NNPA Farming Officers and Farming in Protected Landscapes Programme (FiPL) team, to support the Northumberland National Park land management community and successfully deliver the FiPL Programme. You will develop and coordinate projects with land managers and other stakeholders that deliver the NNPA Management Plan, Business Plan and Natural Environment Vision (NEV) through the FiPL Programme. You will provide advice to land managers and colleagues on funding through the Authority’s and other grants schemes. Assisting land managers with application forms and associated requirements i.e. consents and quotations will be a key part of this role. £32,076 - £35,745 per annum Full time, fixed term to 31/3/25 with possibility of extension subject to funding Based Hexham 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: Educated to degree level in a land based discipline or equivalent level of experience. Knowledge of agricultural and forestry land management policy and grant schemes, issues and techniques to achieve environmental improvement and habitat connectivity. Experience and in-depth knowledge of upland farming and land management systems. Experience of writing grant applications. Excellent interpersonal skills and especially an ability to negotiate well with farmers and land managers. For more information, please read the job pack. 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. Post: Farming and Rural Enterprise Officer – Farming in Protected Landscapes Programme Directorate: Park Management - Conservation and EnvironmentResponsible to: Conservation and Environment Manager Responsible for: No direct reports Grade: Band 5 Term: Fixed Term Contract through to 31st March 2025 with possibility of extension subject to funding Workbase: Based from our offices in Hexham including travel within the National Park. Hybrid work from home options also available. Job Purpose Work alongside NNPA Farming Officers and Farming in Protected Landscapes Programme (FiPL) team, to support the Northumberland National Park land management community and successfully deliver the FiPL Programme. Develop and coordinate projects with land managers and other stakeholders that deliver the NNPA Management Plan, Business Plan and Natural Environment Vision (NEV) through the FiPL Programme. Key Result Areas Strategy Development and Implementation Liaise with other staff in the Conservation and Environment Department to ensure effective targeting of schemes and projects 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. Coordinate project development between the Farming and FiPL teams. Ensure FiPL projects are complimentary to alternative funding mechanisms and policy. Project Development and Implementation Work closely with the NNPA Farming Officers and FiPL Programme team to identify and develop projects with land managers. Provide advice to land managers and colleagues on funding through the Authority’s and other grants schemes. Assist land managers with application forms and associated requirements i.e. consents and quotations. 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 FiPL. Have an understanding of the links between Countryside Stewardship and new projects. Working closely with partner organisations, 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. Provide advice to land based businesses on the development of rural diversification projects, renewable energy and climate adaptation schemes. To support project and programme level evaluation, including reporting to funding bodies and the National Park Authority. 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. 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. Work closely with the FiPL team and Conservation and Environment Manager to report on targets. 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. 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 Health & Safety Policy and Practices. Comply with General Protection Data Regulation (GDPR) and implement Memorandum of Understanding with key partners, as appropriate. 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 agricultural and forestry land management policy and grant schemes, issues and techniques to achieve environmental improvement and habitat connectivity. Knowledge of current Natural Environment policy and issues facing rural upland communities. Experience Experience and in-depth knowledge of upland farming and land management systems. Experience of writing grant applications. Experience of working with agri-environment schemes. Experience of working with farmers and landowners and other statutory agencies. Skills Excellent interpersonal skills, in particular an ability to discuss and negotiate effectively with landowners and other stakeholders. Ability to influence partners, land managers in a way that leads to effective delivery and good working relationships. Confident in the use of information technology systems, the use of Microsoft Office 365, MS Teams and GIS applications. 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. An ability to express complex ideas clearly in a written form.