Farm Conservation Officer

North York Moors; Helmsley; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days' annual leave

Local Government Pension Scheme

Salary £33,672–£36,580 per annum

Job summary

The North York Moors National Park Authority invites applications for a Farm Conservation Officer based in Helmsley. You will deliver practical farming and environmental guidance to farmers and land managers to protect and enhance the National Park, while supporting engagement and training through farm cluster groups.

Ideal candidates will have experience with Defra ELM schemes, knowledge of farming systems, and strong IT skills. A full driving licence and willingness to travel are required.

Qualifications

• Experience working with farmers and land managers to achieve environmental and farm sustainability objectives.
• Practical experience of farmland habitats.
• Knowledge of Defra ELM schemes (SFI, CS and Landscape Recovery).
• Knowledge of High Nature Value Farming and related opportunities and challenges.
• Knowledge of farming systems, especially LFA grazing livestock.
• Knowledge of climate change mitigation and adaptation.
• Knowledge of land-based businesses and their management.
• Good ecological field skills.
• Proficiency in IT software packages (Excel, Word, GIS).
• Driving licence with access to a vehicle and willingness to work away from the office.

Responsibilities

• Provide practical farming and environmental advice to help farmers and land managers protect and enhance the North York Moors National Park.
• Support farmers in understanding environmental potential of land and Defra schemes and sustainable farming practices.
• Work with farm cluster groups to encourage engagement, training and collaborative action for wider conservation benefits.
• Promote soil health, nutrient management improvements and reduced emissions.
• Support agroforestry and peatland restoration, and landscape-scale conservation activity.
• Coordinate activities with other conservation schemes and initiatives and ensure health, safety and equality policies are followed.

Skills

Engagement with farmers

Farmland habitats

Defra ELM schemes

High Nature Value farming

LFA grazing systems

Climate change mitigation

Land-based business management

Ecological field skills

Excel

GIS

Word

Driving licence

Vehicle access

Tools

GIS

Excel

Word

Job description

Farm Conservation Officer.

Located at Helmsley.

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, and plays an important role in supporting nature, communities and sustainable access for visitors.

The Benefits

• Salary of £33,672 - £36,580 per annum
• 25 days’ annual leave, plus public holidays
• Local Government Pension Scheme

This is a rewarding opportunity for an environmental professional with experience of working with farmers and land managers to join our dedicated organisation.

You’ll have the chance to work in one of the UK’s most distinctive protected landscapes, helping make practical changes that support both viable farm businesses and a healthier natural environment.

You’ll build valuable experience across farming, conservation and environmental policy, while deepening your knowledge of Defra schemes and sustainable land management.

The Role

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.

Additionally, you will:

• Promote improvements to soil health and nutrient management
• Support reduced emissions, agroforestry and peatland restoration
• Encourage landscape-scale conservation activity
• Co-ordinate activities with other conservation schemes and initiatives
• Ensure compliance with health and safety and equality policies

About You

To be considered as a Farm Conservation Officer, you will need:

• 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
• A full, valid driving licence, access to a vehicle, and the willingness to work away from the office base for significant periods of time

Applications must be completed by 23.59 on Wednesday 4th November 2026.

Interviews are to be held on Thursday 26 November 2026.

Other organisations may call this role Agricultural Conservation Officer, Farming Conservation Officer, Conservation Officer, Environmental Advisor, Conservation Advisor, Agricultural Advisor, Farming Advisor, Countryside Officer, or Countryside Advisor.

Webrecruit and North York Moors National Park Authority are equal opportunities employers, value diversity and are strongly committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and all applicants for employment. Equal opportunities are the only acceptable way to conduct business and we believe that the more inclusive our environments are, the better our work will be.