Location
Helmsley, North Yorkshire

Hours
Full Time - 9.00 am to 5.00 pm, Monday to Friday

Salary
£33,672 - £36,580 per annum

About the Role
The North York Moors National Park Authority helps to care for one of the UK’s most distinctive protected landscapes. Spanning 554 square miles, the National Park is home to expansive heather moorland, woodland, remote dales, historic villages and dramatic coastline, playing an important role in supporting nature, communities and sustainable access for visitors. We are seeking a Farm Conservation Officer on a fixed-term contract until 31st March 2029 to join us on a full-time basis.

As a Farm Conservation Officer, you will provide practical farming and environmental advice to help farmers and land managers protect and enhance the North York Moors National Park. You will support farmers in understanding the environmental potential of their land, accessing Defra schemes and adopting sustainable farming practices. Working with farm cluster groups, you will encourage farmer engagement, training and collaborative action to deliver wider conservation benefits.

Key responsibilities include promoting improvements to soil health and nutrient management, supporting reduced emissions, agroforestry and peatland restoration, encouraging landscape-scale conservation activity, co-ordinating activities with other conservation schemes and initiatives, and ensuring compliance with health and safety and equality policies.

This is a rewarding opportunity for an environmental professional with experience working with farmers and land managers. You will gain valuable experience across farming, conservation and environmental policy, while deepening your knowledge of Defra schemes and sustainable land management. If you are ready to combine your farming knowledge with a passion for conservation and help shape a more sustainable future for this stunning landscape, we encourage you to apply.

Experience
- Working with farmers and land managers to achieve environmental and farm sustainability objectives
- Practical experience of farmland habitats
- Working knowledge of Defra’s ELM schemes, including SFI, CS and Landscape Recovery
- Knowledge of High Nature Value Farming, its opportunities and challenges
- Knowledge of farming systems, particularly the LFA grazing livestock sector
- Knowledge of climate change mitigation and adaptation
- Knowledge of land-based businesses and their management
- Good ecological field skills
- Proficiency in IT software packages such as Excel, Word and GIS

About you
- A full, valid driving licence and access to a vehicle
- Willingness to work away from the office base for significant periods of time
- Passionate about conservation and sustainable farming practices
- Strong communication and collaborative skills to engage with farmers and stakeholders effectively

Qualifications
No specific qualifications are stated, but relevant environmental or agricultural qualifications would be advantageous.