South West Peatland Partnership – Dartmoor Headwaters Officer (Peatland Restoration)

South West Peatland Partnership – Dartmoor Headwaters Officer (Peatland
Restoration)

Based in Bovey Tracey and Okehampton, Devon

This is a full-time, fixed term position until 31 March 2025. We are hopeful of securing
further funding to extend the contract until 2030. Applications to undertake this role as a
secondment opportunity would be considered.

About us

The South West Peatland Partnership is working to restore damaged peatland on Bodmin Moor,
Dartmoor and Exmoor. 

We are now looking for a Dartmoor Headwaters Officer to join our team of experts in delivering
the next phase of restoration across these vital habitats. The post holder will work as part of
the Dartmoor National Park Authority (DNPA) Headwaters team and part of a wider South West
Water delivery team that work across Dartmoor, Exmoor and Bodmin moor.

DNPA is the body that oversees the vibrant, living, working landscape and community that is
Dartmoor. We help to conserve and enhance the biodiversity, cultural heritage and landscape of
Dartmoor and provide opportunities for people to enjoy the countryside as well as supporting
our local communities and the rural economy.

Benefits

• Salary of £32,076 – £36,648 per annum (Grade 5)
• Flexible working arrangements
• Generous
  annual leave allowance plus bank holidays
• Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme
• Based at our stunning HQ on the National
  Trust’s Parke estate near Bovey Tracey

This is a fantastic opportunity for a professional individual with a demonstrable interest in
environmental conservation to join our incredible organisation.

In this unique role, you will gain a broad array of skills as well as making an impact out and
about in our breathtakingly expansive peatland.

The role

The South West Peatland Partnership (SWPP) is looking for someone to work as part of an
expanding team, to build on the previous restoration successes and deliver ambitious peatland
restoration targets. The post holder will work as part of the DNPA Headwaters team and part of
a wider South West Water delivery team that work across the three moors.

The postholder will deliver peatland restoration projects within the headwaters of priority
catchments in line with the SWPP aims and Dartmoor National Park’s Partnership Plan. They will
work closely with specialists, landowners and commoners to develop detailed restoration plans
tailored to each site.

The Dartmoor Headwaters Officer will work with the team to produce specifications and tender
documents, recruit and manage contractors and oversee the delivery and monitoring of peatland
restoration works and other contracts in line with agreed plans. They will promote and advocate
the project to a range of audiences and communicate the implementation and effects of the
restoration programme.

This role will regularly involve physical activity over rough and remote countryside terrain.

About you

Ideally you will have knowledge and practical experience of undertaking peatland restoration,
worked extensively with contractors and a have good understanding of upland and wetland
ecology. You will have an understanding of rural issues, demonstrable experience of working
with upland farmers and landowners, plus a track-record of delivering environmental outcomes.

Although a background in peatland restoration is preferable, a critical part of the role
involves good communications, ability to liaise confidently with contractors and farmers, plus
strong project management. A love of the outdoors is essential as significant periods of the
year will be spent on the high moors in sometimes challenging conditions.

If you are interested in applying for the role, please visit the DNPA
website.

For more information about the project please see the Southwest Peatland Partnership website.

Closing date: 18 February 2024

Interview date: 28 February 2024