Farming & Rural Enterprise Officer

Northumberland National Park Authority; Hexham; Hybrid; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Northumberland National Park Authority is seeking a Farming and Rural Enterprise Officer to help shape farming and rural enterprise across the park. You'll work with farmers, landowners and partners to deliver sustainable land management and nature recovery.

Based at Rothbury with travel across the national park and hybrid work from home options, the role offers an opportunity to contribute to environmental goals and community resilience through practical advice and collaborative project

Qualifications

• Degree in a land-based discipline or equivalent experience.
• Experience with agri-environment schemes and working with farmers.
• GIS skills and ability to identify upland habitats and species.
• Strong communication and relationships with land managers.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert advice on agri-environment schemes and farm resilience.
• Work with farmers and landowners to develop sustainable land management.
• Support nature recovery and habitat improvements through agri-environment delivery.
• Develop farmer networks and deliver events with partners.
• Use GIS and monitoring to support land management and project delivery.
• Contribute to Farm Business Support Service and Rural Growth Programme.

Skills

Upland farming

Land management

GIS

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Degree in land-based discipline

Tools

GIS software

Job description

WE'RE HIRING: Farming and Rural Enterprise Officer

Job title:Farming and Rural Enterprise Officer

Contract:Fixed term to March 2029

Hours:Full Time

Location:Based at office in Rothbury, travel within the national park and hybrid work from home options.

Help shape the future of farming, rural enterprise and nature recovery in one of England's most spectacular landscapes.

Are you passionate about supporting farmers, strengthening rural businesses and delivering positive environmental change? We're looking for a knowledgeable and motivated Farming and Rural Enterprise Officer to join our Park Management - Conservation and Environment team.

This is an exciting opportunity to work alongside farmers, landowners and partner organisations to support sustainable land management, resilient farm businesses and nature recovery across Northumberland National Park.

About the role

You'll play a key role in delivering practical advice, projects and programmes that bring together thriving farm businesses and environmental outcomes.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Providing expert advice on agri-environment schemes, upland farming and farm business resilience.
• Working directly with farmers and landowners to develop sustainable land management solutions.
• Supporting nature recovery and habitat improvements through effective agri-environment delivery.
• Contributing to the North East Rural Growth Programme Farm Business Support Service.
• Advising on rural diversification, renewable energy, climate adaptation, woodland creation and traditional boundary grants.
• Developing farmer networks, delivering events and collaborating with partners to support landscape-scale change.
• Using GIS and monitoring approaches to support effective land management, project delivery and environmental outcomes.

We're looking for someone with a strong understanding of upland farming and land management, alongside practical experience of agri-environment schemes and working with farmers, landowners and partner organisations.

You'll bring:

• A degree in a land-based discipline or equivalent experience.
• Knowledge of upland species, habitats and agri-environment policy.
• Experience of managing complex agri-environment schemes and integrating them at a landscape scale.
• GIS skills and the ability to recognise key upland habitats and species.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, particularly when working with land managers.
• The ability to travel to sites throughout Northumberland National Park.

Above all, you'll be committed to helping create a more sustainable, resilient and nature-rich future for our rural communities and landscapes.

At Northumberland National Park, you'll have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference to the landscape, support the people who work and live within it, and contribute to ambitious environmental goals.

You'll be part of a collaborative team working to deliver practical solutions that benefit farming, rural enterprise and the natural environment.

Northumberland National Park Authority is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and communities.