At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead hands-on woodland grazing initiatives and develop sustainable farming practices.
- Company: Join the Cairngorms National Park Authority, a top-rated not-for-profit employer.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, flexible working, and a secure pension scheme.
- Other info: Be part of a vibrant team dedicated to environmental restoration in stunning landscapes.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on nature conservation while enhancing your farming skills.
- Qualifications: Experience with livestock and a passion for nature-friendly farming required.
The predicted salary is between 30626 - 32953 £ per year.
Location: Grantown on Spey
Status: Full Time
Job Type: Fixed Term Contract
Hours Of Work: 35 hours
Salary: £30,626 - £32,953 (Band B)
Closing Date: 23:59pm, Monday 27 July 2026
Interview Date: Wednesday 12 August 2026
Are you a farmer, crofter or grazier interested in developing new skills, exploring new business opportunities and helping shape the future of woodland grazing in the Cairngorms? The Cairngorms National Park Authority is recruiting a 6-month Conservation Grazing Coordinator post to provide hands-on experience of woodland grazing and help develop practical approaches to grazing in forests that deliver benefits for both farming and nature.
This role offers the chance to support a rapidly expanding woodland grazing programme, improve woodland condition, broaden your experience of nature-friendly farming and help develop new opportunities for more sustainable, resilient and profitable farm businesses. You will be part of a wider effort to build the skills, confidence and capacity needed to expand woodland grazing across the National Park and create a thriving, farmer-led woodland grazing sector.
About Us: The Cairngorms National Park is an incredible place to live and work. The UK's largest national park is a place of sheer abundance, having more high mountain ground than anywhere else in the UK, the largest Caledonian forest, some of Scotland's purest rivers and finest livestock rearing farmland. It is also home to 25 percent of the UK's rare and endangered species. It is a truly unique place to work, with our dedicated and passionate nature and climate change team who are committed to achieving the best for both conservation and land management, every day.
The Cairngorms National Park Authority is a fantastic place to work and offers great opportunities to grow your career. The Park Authority is listed in the UK's top 100 best not-for-profit companies to work for. We're dedicated to both this amazing place and our employees.
We now have an exciting opportunity for a Conservation Grazing Coordinator to join the Park Authority and support nature restoration and species recovery across the Cairngorms National Park.
Equalities: The Park Authority is an inclusive organisation and we welcome applications from everyone irrespective of sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, religion and belief, pregnancy and maternity, relationship status, disability, age and social class. We particularly welcome applications from individuals from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities, disabled and LGBTQ+ communities, as they are under-represented in the environment sector.
We are a Disability Confident committed employer; if you are an applicant with disabilities who meets the essential requirements of the post, we will interview you. In all circumstances, the Park Authority appoints on merit-based evidence the applicant supplies in meeting the essential criteria for the post.
The Role: As our Conservation Grazing Coordinator you will provide hands-on experience of woodland grazing and help develop practical approaches to grazing in forests that deliver benefits for both farming and nature. This role offers the chance to support a rapidly expanding woodland grazing programme, improve woodland condition, broaden your experience of nature-friendly farming and help develop new opportunities for more sustainable, resilient and profitable farm businesses.
As the postholder, you will be part of a wider effort to build the skills, confidence and capacity needed to expand woodland grazing across the National Park and create a thriving, farmer-led woodland grazing sector.
Further information regarding the role can be found in the job description.
CNPA Benefits: 25 days annual leave, increasing to 30 days with service, plus Public Holidays, Professional development, Flexible working, Cycle to work scheme, Use of pool cars, Civil service pension scheme - some of the benefits include: member contribution rates among the lowest in the public sector, tax relief on your contributions, generous employer contributions, a secure, inflation-proof pension for life, with no investment uncertainty, the option of tax-free lump sum on retirement, potential access to ill health and injury benefits if you become too ill to work, life assurance cover, benefits for loved ones and dependants, options to increase your pension, keeping all your pensions in one place by transferring in a pension you have built up elsewhere, support from our trusted charity partners.
About You: To be considered as a Conservation Officer, you'll need:
- Experience working with livestock and an interest in livestock management.
- Knowledge of nature-friendly farming and conservation grazing.
- Ability to identify and evaluate new business opportunities that support sustainable and profitable farm businesses.
- Physically fit and able to work outdoors in a variety of environments.
- Good communication and interpersonal skills.
- Willingness to learn and work collaboratively with a wide range of people.
- Able to work independently as well as part of a team.
- Current UK Driving Licence.
- Permission to work in the UK.
How to apply: To apply, please click on the 'Apply' button. Please note, we do not accept Curriculum Vitae (CV). If you require more information, or if you require any adjustments to be made to the application process due to disability please contact us.
2026 July - Conservation Grazing Coordinator employer: Cairngorms National Park Authority
Cairngorms National Park Authority is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to work in the stunning environment of Grantown-on-Spey while contributing to vital conservation efforts. With a strong focus on employee development and a collaborative work culture, you will gain invaluable hands-on experience in woodland grazing and play a key role in supporting sustainable farming practices. Join us to make a meaningful impact in one of Scotland's most beautiful landscapes.
Contact Details:
Cairngorms National Park Authority Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land 2026 July - Conservation Grazing Coordinator
✨Connect with Local Farmers and Co-ops
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✨Get Involved in Agricultural Events
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✨Keep an Eye on Job Listings at Industry-Specific Websites
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We think you need these skills to ace 2026 July - Conservation Grazing Coordinator
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:When applying for a role in agriculture, it's crucial to highlight any hands-on experience you have in farming, crop management, or sustainable practices. We want to see how your background aligns with the role you're after, so be specific about the responsibilities you've had and any tools or techniques you've used.
Certifications Matter:In agriculture, relevant certifications can really give your application a boost. If you have any qualifications related to agricultural practices, pest management, or environmental regulations, make sure to mention them! They're great indicators of your commitment and expertise in the field.
Tailor Your CV to the Agriculture Sector:Your CV should reflect your passion for agriculture. Structure it to emphasise your field experience and any relevant projects you've been involved in. Don't forget to highlight your soft skills, like teamwork and communication, which are essential in this sector.
Passion is Key in Your Cover Letter:Since this is a full-time position, we want to feel your enthusiasm for agriculture in your cover letter. Share why you're drawn to this industry and mention any long-term goals you have that align with what Cairngorms National Park Authority does. This can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cairngorms National Park Authority
✨Get Familiar with Agricultural Technologies
Make sure you're up to speed with the latest agricultural technologies and tools that are commonly used in the field. Whether it’s precision farming tools or crop management software, being able to discuss these effectively during your interview with Cairngorms National Park Authority will show that you're technically savvy and ready to contribute from day one.
✨Showcase Your Practical Experience
Since agriculture is a hands-on industry, be prepared to share any practical experiences you've had. This could be through internships, volunteer work, or even personal projects. Discussing specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them can really impress the interviewers, especially in a full-time role at Cairngorms National Park Authority.
✨Understand the Sustainable Practices
Sustainability is a hot topic in agriculture right now, so it's important to understand current practices and regulations in the industry. Familiarise yourself with concepts like crop rotation, organic farming, and environmental impact. Having informed opinions on these topics can set you apart from other candidates during your interview.
✨Practice Common Industry Scenarios
Expect to tackle a few scenario-based questions that mimic real-life challenges in agriculture. For instance, you might be asked how you would handle a pest infestation or manage resources during a drought. Practising these scenarios will help you respond confidently and showcase your problem-solving skills during the interview with Cairngorms National Park Authority.
