Howardian Hills Officer - Conservation and Ecology

North Yorkshire Council; York and North Yorkshire; Hybrid; GBP 34,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

North Yorkshire Council is seeking an experienced Conservation and Ecology Officer to lead on the Howardian Hills nature recovery project delivery. Based in Helmsley, you will develop and manage projects across landscape-scale recovery, climate adaptation, land management and heritage, coordinating with partners and the community.

You will report to the Howardian Hills Manager, bring expert knowledge, manage budgets and data reporting, and travel to sites.

Qualifications

• Expert knowledge of conservation, ecology, nature recovery and land management.
• Experience in nature-based projects and project management.
• Experience in contractor supervision, budgeting and reporting.
• Excellent interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Full driving licence and access to a car.

Responsibilities

• Lead on Howardian Hills nature recovery project delivery.
• Develop, manage and deliver projects and monitor results across themes of landscape-scale nature recovery, climate change and land management.
• Coordinate and deliver projects, manage relationships with partners and the community.
• Provide specialist advice on conservation, land management and ecology.
• Collate data and report progress; travel to sites and meetings, including some evenings and weekends.

Skills

Conservation knowledge

Ecology knowledge

Project management

Budget management

Stakeholder engagement

Communication skills

Spreadsheets

Tools

Spreadsheets

Job description

The role

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced officer to lead on Howardian Hills nature recovery project delivery.

Based in the Howardian Hills National Landscape staff team, hosted by North Yorkshire Council, the Conservation and Ecology Officer will use their experience and expertise to develop, manage and deliver projects and monitor results across key themes of landscape-scale nature recovery, climate change mitigation and adaptation, farm conservation and land management, development, access and built heritage.

hey will be responsible for development and delivery of projects to achieve the 5 year Management Plan and annual work programme, management of relationships with key partners and the community, provision of specialist and appropriate advice on conservation, land management and ecology matters affecting the area, co-ordination and delivery of projects, collation of data and reporting progress.

They will be based in Helmsley with the opportunity for some home working and will be expected to travel to sites and meetings, with some evening and weekend work outside of normal office hours.

What you will bring

Reporting to the Howardian Hills Manager, you will be self-motivated, self-managing and capable of organising your own time as well as working effectively as a key member of the staff team.You will have expert knowledge of conservation, ecology, nature recovery and land management, as well as a passion for the role.

You will demonstrate experience in nature-based projects, project management, delivery including contractor supervision, management and monitoring of budgets and project spend including use of spreadsheets, presenting verbal and written information in a format relevant to differing audiences and excellent interpersonal skills.

You will have a proven ability to build relationships with key project partners and stakeholders, including the local community.

Local knowledge of the Howardian Hills National Landscape, its surroundings and its ecology is an advantage.A full driving license and access to a car is necessary.

North Yorkshire Council

The role will be with North Yorkshire Council, the employing authority for the Howardian Hills staff team.

Key Dates:

Closing Date:Wednesday 4th November 2026

Interview Date:11th-12th November 2026

Venue for Interview:Helmsley, North Yorkshire