Farmland Conservation and Nature Recovery Lead Adviser x2

Job summary

This position can be based at Kendal or Manchester.

The Cheshire to Lancashire Team 

We provide environmental leadership across an area of 6 million people and home to some
magnificent natural assets, where Nature Recovery and Partnerships are at the heart of
everything we do. Restoring habitats, reconnecting the natural environment and connecting
people with nature across the Lancashire uplands of West Pennine Moors and Bowland Fells, the
wetlands and rivers of Cheshire, the wildlife-rich Irish Sea coast and urban heartland of
Greater Manchester and Liverpool City Region.

In 2023 we have an ambitious plan to build a resilient natural environment. We want to support
flourishing landscapes that are a source of pride, rural employment, access and enjoyment. We
want to continue to develop and expand our farm advice to deliver more benefits across mosaics
of habitats for biodiversity, water quality, air quality, flood management, climate change and
the wider farmed environment, and to develop Countryside Stewardship agreements with local
Nature Recovery & Species Recovery.

The role:

Would you like to help us support our farmers and land managers to farm in a more nature
friendly way and restore precious habitats?

This is a challenging but exciting role, with strong demand and high reward; We are looking for
a highly motivated and enthusiastic individual to work closely with farmers and land managers
to promote and implement practical measures to enhance nature’s recovery and improvement,
whilst balancing the need for food production and benefitting farm businesses; this role
requires strong communication skills, multitasking and the ability to work to deadlines.

• To do this effectively, you will have the appropriate professional and practical knowledge
  and experience to ensure effective communication with farmers, as well those with non-farming
  perspectives; and
• Conduct targeted farm/field visits to assess habitats and environmental priorities and
  provide technical advice on agri-environment schemes (i.e. Countryside Stewardship
  applications, Higher-Level Stewardship extensions and Higher Tier Capital Grants, Sustainable
  Farming Incentive)
• Keep up to date on emerging new scheme initiatives and financial incentives for farmers (to
  look after and improve the environment) that are relevant to the role
• Combine ecological and farm management/business considerations, finding opportunities to
  develop land management proposals that will work in practice to deliver Natural England’s
  objectives
• Promote nature conservation, protect biodiversity and identify opportunities to deliver
  benefits for thriving wildlife, people and nature, and tackle the effects of climate change
• You will actively work to identify opportunities to support, maintain and enhance the
  condition of protected sites, improve their habitat management and species abundance
• Ensure timely recording of interactions, advice and support given
• You will play a key role as part of a bigger cohesive team; enjoy working closely with
  colleagues, but also thrive when working independently and taking responsibility for your own
  projects

Applications from those with a background in farming, agriculture or other sectors outside of
ecology/conservation are very welcome, provided an understanding and interest in the
fundamental principles of farmland conservation and ecology can be demonstrated. 

Skills and Knowledge:

We are looking for individuals who have a broad combination of knowledge and technical skills
set out below:

• You have an interest (and keen to learn about) agricultural issues, farming practices and
  integrating the production of high quality food with protecting and improving the environment
•  An understanding of farmland ecology and practical habitat management
• A relevant higher qualification (e.g. HND, level 5 NVQ, degree /postgraduate) in an
  environmental discipline /conservation/agriculture, OR significant practical experience of
  working in the environmental, conservation or farming sector
•  The ability to identify some priority habitats and species. Experience of conducting
  fieldwork would be advantageous; (training will be available)
• Some knowledge of agri-environment schemes such as Environmental Stewardship or Countryside
  Stewardship would be advantageous; you should, at least, have an awareness of the schemes that
  are currently available

It is important to note that this role will require travel to outdoor sites, farm holdings and
meetings across the Cheshire to Lancashire Area, so a full driving licence is essential.

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £27,273, Natural England contributes £7,390 towards you being a member
of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find
out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

• Learning and development tailored to your role
• An environment with flexible working options
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
• A Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 27%