Project Officer (Farm Liaison)

Summary

Are you committed to delivering better outcomes for nature, climate, and people? We are looking for an innovative and dynamic Farm Liaison Officer to support a DEFRA-funded Landscape Recovery Scheme involving National Trust tenants and private land managers covering 1300ha of North Devon countryside. This ambitious project aims to create a corridor between the Arlington Estate and Exmoor that is nature-rich, climate resilient and a place where businesses can thrive. You will play a key role in the two-year funded Development Phase, fostering collaboration between all land managers to create landscape-scale con3nectivity and secure the long-term future of the project area for the next twenty years. 

This partnership role will be seconded to the team at Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group SouthWest (FWAG SouthWest) and have the benefit of their expertise and support. 

Hours: 30 hours per week. 

Contract: 2-year fixed term contract. 

Interviews: 27 June at Arlington Court, EX31 4LP. 

Please include a covering letter and CV. Applications will be shortlisted based on the ‘Who we’re looking for’ section below, so be sure you evidence your abilities in these areas.

Internally you will be known as ‘Project Officer’ 

What it’s like to work here

Reporting to a FWAG SouthWest Farm Environment Adviser, you’ll be supported by an experienced team helping to deliver real change in the agricultural sector by combining an understanding of farming systems, land management and farm businesses with habitat creation, habitat management and species conservation. FWAG SW specialises in making government policy, environmental incentives, regulations, and emerging environmental markets accessible for farmers and land managers at a practical delivery level. 

Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group South West Limited (fwagsw.org.uk) 

You will also be a key member of the multi-disciplinary project team at National Trust working closely with specialists in project management, conservation, surveying and monitoring, community engagement and site access. Together, you’ll make sure that you deliver the outcomes required for the Landscape Recovery Scheme. 

You’ll regularly be out on site connecting with land managers where they live and work. Our hybrid working policy means you can balance office and home working with farm visits and time with the project team at Arlington. Occasional out of hours working will be required, for which you can take time in lieu. 

What you’ll be doing

This is a hugely varied role. You will lead on high-quality environmental liaison with land managers, farmers and tenants through one-to-one visits to develop visions/farm plans, and the facilitation of group events and workshops. Your networking skills will help bring in more land to make the corridor as ‘continuous’ as possible. 

Working closely with the Area Ranger you will support and facilitate baseline surveys and monitoring across the project area. You will prepare reports and be in regular contact with the National Trust project team. 

You will listen, build relationships and trust with land managers supporting them as they consider agroecological and regenerative approaches to managing their holdings. You will develop and share the practical methods through which they can create and restore a wider range of habitats, such as establishing more trees, improving the condition of soils and water, supporting a wide range of species and reducing carbon emissions. Enabling the adoption of financially sustainable approaches will include helping engagement in new agri-environment schemes and other grants, green finance, supporting fundraising and other financial mechanisms. You will also work with consultants to manage the process to carbon footprint farms and subsequent understanding of recommendations to share back with land managers. 

Who we’re looking for

We will shortlist against the following criteria so let us know how you demonstrate these:

• Practical experience of different farming and land management systems, as well as agri-environment grant schemes (or equivalent knowledge).
• Ability to support land managers with habitat design, creation and management to get great results for nature and farming.
• Strong skills of diplomacy, empathy and discretion and ability to build effective collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders. 
• Ability to communicate confidently to individuals and groups especially the farming community. 
• Ability to deliver clear, succinct information via written reports and presentations including solid mapping skills.
• Self-starter, who works effectively on own initiative whilst collaborating with colleagues, leading on occasion and seeking advice when needed.

Please note that this role requires a full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle.

The package

The National Trust has the motto ‘For everyone, for ever’ at its heart. We’re working hard to create an inclusive culture, where everyone feels they belong. It’s important that our people reflect and represent the diversity of the communities and audiences we serve. We welcome and value difference, so when we say we’re for everyone, we want everyone to be welcome in our teams too.

• Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary
• Free entry to National Trust places for you, a guest and your children (under 18)
• Tax-free childcare scheme
• Rental deposit loan scheme
• Season ticket loan
• EV car lease scheme 
• Perks at work discounts such as gym memberships, shopping discount codes, cinema discounts
• Holiday allowance up to 32 days relating to length of service, plus holiday purchase scheme, subject to meeting minimum criteria.
• Flexible working whenever possible
• Employee assistance programme
• Free parking at most Trust places

Click here to find out more about the benefits we offer to support you.

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