Farm Conservation Adviser

Job content

Would you like to work in one of the most beautiful parts of the country - a place of real character, with a highly-distinctive, living, working and cultural landscape? If so, we have an opportunity to join our well regarded Farm Conservation team.

About Us
We are the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, an organisation that protects, enhances and promotes the immense beauty, wildlife and character of the Yorkshire Dales. Set against expansive heather moorland tops, each valley has its own distinct charm, from crags and waterfalls to an underground labyrinth of caves.

We are looking for a Farm Conservation Adviser to join our Land Management team on a temporary fixed term basis until 31 March 2025. The role is full-time (37 hours per week) based at our Grassington office near Skipton, with the potential for some home working.

The Benefits

• Salary of £27,334 to £33,945 per annum
• Holiday entitlement starting at 26 days plus bank holidays
• Flexi time scheme
• Local government defined benefit pension scheme (LGPS)
• Subsidised Healthcare scheme
• Employee discounts on various goods and services
• Cycle to work scheme
• Free parking
• Commitment to wellbeing

This is a great opportunity for you to join a National Park and work in one of the UK’s most striking and breath-taking locations.

The Role
You will be working on the established Yorkshire Dales Catchment Partnership, delivering the Government’s Catchment Sensitive Farming initiative across the whole of the National Park to farmers and land managers.

Undertaking farm visits to identify infrastructure and farm management changes that will contribute to sustainable farm businesses as well as improving water and air quality and the wider environment. Examples include identifying opportunities to separate clean and dirty water, improved manure storage and management (including nutrient application), grassland management, and habitat creation (particularly riparian habitats including woodland).

You’ll be overseeing the development and delivery of actions, and in some instances supporting colleagues and partner organisations to undertake delivery. There will also be involvement in the delivery of training and knowledge sharing events.

Providing advice and support to farmers and land managers on the current Environment Land Management (ELM) and Countryside Stewardship schemes is integral to the role. This will include carrying out site visits, undertaking farm surveys and writing reports and applications that will enhance the environmental priorities of the National Park and support sustainable farm businesses. Evening meetings are a regular method of engaging with the farming community and you should be willing to undertake these.

About You
Ideally, you will be educated to at least level 6 (degree level) in a relevant conservation, agricultural or environmental subject, though other qualifications may be acceptable if a high level of knowledge and experience of farm conservation can be demonstrated.

You should have at least 2-years of experience of providing advice and support on current agri-environment schemes to farmers and land managers. In addition, a firm understanding of upland farming and land management (especially soil husbandry and nutrient management) is essential.

Being a supportive and co-operative team member with the ability to work independently using own initiative and as part of a multi-disciplinary team is a requirement. Excellent organisational, communication and inter-personal skills are equally important to the role.

You will need to have access to a car or access to a means of mobility support to meet demands of the post (if driving must have a current valid driving licence and appropriate insurance) as travelling and visiting of sites around the National Park is a key part of the role.

We are committed to equal opportunities and our recruitment process treats all job applications fairly. We aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply and join us. We are a Disability Confident employer and guarantee to interview anyone with a disability whose application meets the essential criteria for the role.

For an informal chat about this vacancy, please contact Jane Le Cocq, Senior Farm Conservation Adviser on 01756 751608 or email jane.lecocq@yorkshiredales.org.uk.

The closing date for completed application forms is Sunday 19 November 2023

Anticipated interview date: during week commencing 27 November 2023