Land Management Project Officer (Wading Birds and Habitats)

LGBT Jobs; Skipton; Hybrid; GBP 32,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

The Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority is seeking a Land Management Project Officer to lead a Dales-wide wading bird conservation project from Grassington. You will work with farmers, landowners and partner organisations to deliver habitat improvements and capital works that support upland breeding waders.

The role focuses on developing and delivering conservation projects across the National Park, with blended working options and a fixed-term arrangement until 31 March 2029.

Qualifications

• Experience in formulating, managing and delivering land management projects.
• Experience working with farmers, landowners and partners to deliver outcomes.
• Degree-level qualification in a relevant subject or equivalent experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver a Dales-wide wading bird conservation project.
• Develop and manage capital works and habitat improvements for upland waders.
• Collaborate with partners and local communities to support nature recovery.

Skills

Land management

Stakeholder engagement

Project planning

Partnership working

Education

Degree in relevant subject

Job description

Land Management Project Officer (Wading Birds and Habitats)

Location: Grassington, Skipton BD23 5LB, UK

Job Type: Full-time, Fixed Term

Pay: £32,046 to £37,563, per annum

Highlighted points for this job

Full-time, 37 hours per week, fixed term until 31 March 2029

Grassington, near Skipton, with blended working opportunities

Dales-wide wading bird conservation project leadership

Experience of land management projects and stakeholder collaboration required

Degree-level qualification in a relevant subject or equivalent experience

Closing date: 11pm on Monday, 26 October 2026

Salary: £32,046 to £37,563, per annum

Contract: Full time (37 hours per week) and fixed term until 31 March 2029

Location: Grassington, near Skipton, with opportunities for blended working

Do you want to play a key role in helping some of the Yorkshire Dales' most iconic bird species thrive? If yes, we're looking for a Land Management Project Officer to join our Land Management Section and help deliver nature recovery across the National Park. This is an exciting opportunity to lead and develop our Dales-wide wading bird conservation work, building on successful pilot projects and delivering practical habitat improvements that support upland breeding populations.

Working with farmers, landowners, partner organisations and local interest groups, you'll develop and deliver projects that make a lasting difference for wildlife and habitats. Alongside this, you'll work with colleagues to deliver our Wildlife Rich Habitat Fund capital programme, supporting a range of conservation projects across the National Park.

About Us

We are the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, an organisation that protects, enhances and promotes the immense beauty, wildlife and character of the Yorkshire Dales. Set against expansive heather moorland tops, each valley has its own distinct charm, from crags and waterfalls to an underground labyrinth of caves.

You'll join a supportive and knowledgeable team that is passionate about making a positive difference for the National Park and the communities who live and work here.

The Benefits

• Generous leave: starting at 26 days’ annual leave, plus bank holidays, increasing to 31 days after five years of Local Government service
• Pension: Local Government Defined Benefit Pension Scheme (LGPS)
• Flexible working: including flexitime, flexi-leave and blended working options
• Wellbeing benefits: Subsidised Healthcare scheme, family friendly policies, cycle to work scheme, staff discounts and an employee assistance programme
• Learning and development: Ongoing support for continuing professional development and training
• Free parking at Authority car parks

The Role

This is a varied and rewarding role, with a strong focus on delivering a Dales-wide Wading Bird Conservation Project. Working with colleagues, farmers, landowners, partner organisations and local communities, you'll build on pilot work already underway and deliver a range of capital works and habitat improvements to support upland breeding wader populations.

You’ll also contribute to the delivery of our Wildlife Rich Habitat Fund, helping to develop and deliver conservation projects that support nature recovery across the Yorkshire Dales.

About You

We're looking for someone with a good understanding of wading bird species and ecology in relation to the Yorkshire Dales. Confident working with farmers, landowners, partner organisations and local interest groups, you’ll be motivated by the opportunity to develop our wading bird conservation work and help deliver practical habitat improvements and wider nature recovery projects across the National Park.

In addition, you’ll have:

• Experience of formulating, project managing and delivering land management projects.
• Experience of working with multiple partners and stakeholders to deliver successful outcomes.
• Strong planning skills and the ability to translate strategy into practical project delivery.
• A degree-level qualification in a relevant subject, or equivalent experience gained through employment.

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds.

We’re proud to be a Disability Confident employer. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria, we guarantee you an interview.

For an informal chat about this vacancy, please contact Leigh Thornton, Land Management Projects Manager, on 01756 751607 or [e-mail]

Closing date: 11pm on Monday, 26 October 2026

Interviews are expected to take place on Tuesday, 3 November 2026