At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in restoring vital peatland habitats and contribute to environmental conservation projects.
- Company: Join Dartmoor National Park Authority, dedicated to preserving natural beauty and wildlife.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, flexible hours, and access to electric vehicles.
- Other info: Work in stunning locations with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the environment while enjoying the great outdoors.
- Qualifications: Experience in conservation or countryside management is a plus; love for nature is essential.
Dartmoor National Park Authority works in partnership with local and national stakeholders to conserve and enhance Dartmoor as a vibrant, living, working landscape and community teeming with natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage. We promote opportunities for the public to understand and enjoy the special qualities of Dartmoor National Park, whilst also promoting the economic and social wellbeing of local communities.
The South West Peatland Partnership is working to restore damaged peatland on Bodmin Moor, Dartmoor and Exmoor. We are now looking for a Dartmoor Headwaters Assistant to join our team of experts in delivering the next phase of restoration across these vital habitats. The post holder will work as part of the Dartmoor National Park Authority (DNPA) Headwaters team and part of a wider Southwest Water delivery team that works across the three southwest moors.
As a Dartmoor Headwaters Assistant, you will play a key role in delivering the Dartmoor peatland restoration project. This project aims to restore natural processes within the headwaters of priority catchments in line with the South West Peatland Partnerships (SWPP) aims and Dartmoor’s Partnership Plan commitments. Assisting with detailed surveys and assessment of restoration sites, you will contribute to restoration plans, assist with the production of maps and participate in decisions on restoration techniques. Ensuring relevant permissions and consents are in place before commencing work, you will also assist with the recruitment of contractors and supervise their work on the high moor. You will support the delivery of flood management interventions and monitor and survey peat depths, ecology, hydrology and the landscape. In this unique role, you will gain a broad array of skills, as well as make an impact out and about in our breathtakingly expansive peatland. Please note, this role may involve physical activity over rough, countryside terrain.
The Benefits
- Salary of £29,540 - £33,699 per annum (pay award pending)
- Generous annual leave and flexitime policies
- Cycle to work scheme
- Access to electric vehicle pool car fleet
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- Beautiful office location on National Trust estate, with free parking and café on site
- Discounts at National Park Visitor Centres
- Free parking in our car parks on Dartmoor
About You
Experience of practical conservation work or countryside management would be beneficial to your application. Project planning experience would also be an advantage, as would knowledge of farming, particularly upland farming. Although a background in peatland restoration is preferable, a critical part of the role involves good communications, the ability to liaise confidently with contractors and farmers and strong project management. A love of the outdoors is essential as significant periods of the year will be spent on the high moors in sometimes challenging conditions.
When applying for this post, please highlight your suitability by referring to the essential and desirable requirements set out in the Person Specification. This information will be used in deciding who to shortlist. The post is based at the Authority’s head office at Parke, Bovey Tracey, and Princetown, but will involve travel to other sites within the National Park. The Authority operates flexible working hours and is a member of the Local Government Pension Scheme.
Closing date: Thursday 11th June 2026
Interview date: Thursday 25 June 2026
Dartmoor National Park Authority is a disability confident and an equal opportunities employer, values diversity and is strongly committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and all applicants for employment.
So, if you’re seeking your next challenge as a Dartmoor Headwaters Assistant (Peatland Restoration), please apply via the button shown.
Dartmoor Headwaters Assistant (Peatland Restoration) in Bovey Tracey employer: Dartmoor National Park Authority
Dartmoor National Park Authority is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to work in the stunning landscapes of Dartmoor while contributing to vital peatland restoration projects. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, we provide generous annual leave, flexible working hours, and access to a range of benefits including a Local Government Pension Scheme and discounts at National Park Visitor Centres. Join us to develop your skills in a supportive environment that values diversity and promotes meaningful engagement with nature and local communities.
Contact Detail:
Dartmoor National Park Authority Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Dartmoor Headwaters Assistant (Peatland Restoration) in Bovey Tracey
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the Dartmoor National Park Authority and the South West Peatland Partnership. Research their projects and values so you can chat about them during your interview. This shows you're genuinely interested and ready to contribute!
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! Since you'll be liaising with contractors and farmers, being able to express your ideas clearly is key. Try role-playing with a friend or family member to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your love for the outdoors! Share any relevant experiences you have in conservation or countryside management. Whether it's volunteering or personal projects, let them know how passionate you are about working in nature.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it gives you a chance to highlight how your skills match the essential and desirable requirements they’re looking for.
We think you need these skills to ace Dartmoor Headwaters Assistant (Peatland Restoration) in Bovey Tracey
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Peatland:When you're writing your application, let your love for the outdoors and peatland restoration shine through. We want to see your enthusiasm for conservation and how it aligns with our mission at Dartmoor National Park Authority.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have in practical conservation work or countryside management. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your skills and how they relate to the role of Dartmoor Headwaters Assistant.
Communicate Clearly:Good communication is key! Use clear and concise language to explain your experiences and how you can liaise effectively with contractors and farmers. This will show us that you can handle the collaborative aspects of the job.
Follow the Application Guidelines:Don’t forget to refer to the essential and desirable requirements in the Person Specification. This is crucial for us when shortlisting candidates, so make sure you address these points directly in your application!
How to prepare for a job interview at Dartmoor National Park Authority
✨Know Your Peatland
Familiarise yourself with peatland restoration concepts and the specific goals of the South West Peatland Partnership. Being able to discuss current projects and their impact on Dartmoor will show your genuine interest and understanding of the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Highlight any practical conservation work or countryside management experience you have. Be ready to share specific examples of past projects, especially those involving project planning or working with contractors and farmers.
✨Communicate Confidently
Since good communication is key for this role, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Prepare to discuss how you would liaise with various stakeholders, including contractors and local communities, to ensure successful project delivery.
✨Embrace the Outdoors
Express your passion for the outdoors and your readiness to work in challenging conditions. Share any relevant experiences that demonstrate your ability to thrive in such environments, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
