Landscape Recovery Project – Farming Officer

Job Description

Post: Landscape Recovery Project Officer – farming
Directorate: Park Management
Responsible to: Landscape Recovery Project Manager
Responsible for: No direct reports
Grade: Band 5
Term: 2 year Fixed Term Contract through to 31st March 2026.
Workbase: Based from our offices in the Sill or Hexham including travel within the National
Park. Hybrid work from home options also available.

Job purpose 

This post will report to Landscape Recovery Project Manager and will be responsible for the
following main tasks:

• To lead in farmer liaison and relationship building in the Landscape Recovery project
  area. 
• To manage farmer meetings to help shape and develop the Landscape Recovery project. 
• Liaise effectively with individual farmers and landowners over access to land for project
  fieldwork together with the NNPA Farming and Rural Enterprise Officers as appropriate.
• Lead and complete farm specific land management and natural capital plans. 
• Work closely with the NNPA Farm Networking Project Officer and Farming Team to develop and
  enhance knowledge sharing opportunities for farmers. 
• Complete all workstream administration, including the convening of farmer group meetings
  and knowledge transfer events, risk assessments, completion and submission of quarterly reports
  and payment milestone grant claims. 
• Promote a culture based on teamwork, open communication and collaboration throughout the
  Authority and the wider project Partnership.
• Organise and arrange suitable publicity for programmes of activity and project delivery
  that will include showcasing demonstration projects. 
• Understand new land management policy as it emerges and the impact that it will have on the
  farmers and Landscape Recovery project. 
• To contribute to Landscape Recover steering group meetings. 

Other Duties

• 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.
• Undertake any other duties consistent with the post as may be directed by the Conservation
  and the Environment Manager. 
• Proactively support the promotion of equality and inclusion in all areas of work. 
• Comply with GDPR and implement Memorandum of Understanding with key partners, as
  appropriate. 

Person Specification 

Essential

Knowledge

• Educated to degree level in an environmental or land management related discipline or
  equivalent level of experience.
• Knowledge of upland land management practices and farm businesses. 
• Knowledge of current agricultural and natural environment policy. 
• Knowledge of high nature value farming. 

Skills 

• Excellent interpersonal skills, in particular an ability to discuss and negotiate
  effectively with landowners and other stakeholders. 
• Ability to influence partners, colleagues and land managers in a way that leads to
  effective delivery and good working relationships. 
• Confident in the use of information technology systems and use of Microsoft Office and MS
  Teams applications. 

Experience 

• Land management experience, with expertise in at least one of the following: 
  • agriculture 
  • forestry 
  • water management 
  • ecology 
• Experience of working with farmers and other stakeholder groups. 
• Experience of project management e.g. working to deadlines, management of budgets using
  spreadsheets and reporting to funders.
• A track record of working with partners in collaborative projects. 

Personal Qualities 

• Ability to work a flexible pattern and travel to sites to fulfil the requirements of the
  post. 

Desirable

• Practical experience of fieldwork in an upland environment. 
• Knowledge of National Parks and protected areas. 
• A sound knowledge of health and safety procedures. 
• Knowledge of agricultural land management practice.