At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage ecological surveys, develop enhancement plans, and support farmers with ELMs agreements.
- Company: Join Dartmoor National Park Authority, dedicated to conserving Dartmoor's vibrant landscape and community.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, pension scheme, and a stunning HQ location.
- Why this job: Immerse yourself in nature, build community relationships, and contribute to long-term ecological restoration.
- Qualifications: Organised, passionate about ecology, experienced in contractor management and rural community engagement.
- Other info: Position based in beautiful Dartmoor, with travel around the area required.
The predicted salary is between 28300 - 31900 £ per year.
Based in Bovey Tracey and Princetown, Devon. This is a full-time (37hrs p/wk) position, for a fixed-term until December 2026. The role is based at the Dartmoor National Park Authority (DNPA) offices at Parke and Princetown.
About Us
DNPA is the body that oversees the vibrant, living, working landscape and community that is Dartmoor. We help to conserve and enhance the biodiversity, cultural heritage and landscape of Dartmoor and provide opportunities for people to enjoy the countryside, as well as supporting our local communities and the rural economy.
About the Walkham Valley Landscape Recovery Scheme (WVLR)
The Walkham catchment is a tributary of the River Tamar on the western side of the moor that hosts an incredible array of habitats and species, as well as a rich historical and cultural heritage. Landscape Recovery is the new, innovative upper tier of the Government Environment Land Management Scheme (ELMS) that aims to achieve landscape-scale and coherent ecological restoration through a collaborative long-term approach.
The WVLR is a farmer and landowner-led initiative which is currently in a two-year development phase exploring options that will culminate in an agreed and costed business plan to support long-term environmental enhancement and business resilience across the scheme area. This will lead to an exciting 20-year delivery phase that will provide the support, resources and funding to deliver a vision developed and owned principally by those who live and work in the Valley.
About the Role
We are looking for someone prepared to immerse themselves in the Walkham Valley landscape, build positive, trusted and lasting relationships with the communities that live within the catchment and develop an ecological understanding that will inform and help drive the long-term future of this treasured part of Dartmoor.
The role has three main objectives:
- The first is to manage contractors to survey all the holdings within the catchment to establish an ecological baseline and identify priority habitats and species that are currently present. This will include working with contractors on commons and collating data from partners.
- The second is to provide options and advice around future enhancement based on the existing ecosystem, opportunities and the ambition of the landowners and land managers involved. You will, through consultation, develop an ambitious and exciting plan of ecological enhancement and creation that will form the foundation of the subsequent 20-year delivery phase.
- Finally, to advise and assist farmers to apply for new ELMs agreements. The aim is to provide support and ensure that new agreements align and synergise with the emerging plan for the overarching Landscape Recovery scheme.
Benefits
- Salary of £33,366 - £37,938 per annum (pay award pending)
- Flexible working arrangements
- Generous annual leave allowance plus public holidays
- Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme
- Based at our stunning HQ on the National Trust's Parke estate near Bovey Tracey
- Free staff parking and National Trust café on site
About You
The successful applicant will be extremely organised, passionate, driven and enjoy working outside. They will have excellent ecological knowledge, a good understanding of landscape-scale ecosystems, and be experienced in managing contractors.
You will understand how farming systems work, have experience of working with farmers and rural communities and a track record of building positive rapport and long-term working relationships. The post holder will also ideally have experience of providing agricultural advice, particularly developing land management plans and providing support with agri-environmental scheme applications and ongoing support.
The post is hosted by Dartmoor National Park Authority and will be based across our offices at Parke and in Princetown but will involve travelling around Dartmoor.
For further information or to discuss the role in more detail, please contact Emma Russell, Landscape Development Manager.
Closing Date: 9 June 2025 (12 noon)
Interviews: 24 June 2025, at Parke
Dartmoor National Park Authority is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.
Contact Detail:
Dartmoor National Park Authority Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Walkham Land Management Advisor
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Dartmoor's unique ecosystems and the specific challenges they face. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and the local environment.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with local farmers and landowners in the Walkham Valley area. Building relationships before applying can give you insights into their needs and concerns, which will be invaluable during your application process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in managing contractors and working with rural communities. Be ready to share specific examples that highlight your ability to build trust and rapport, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on the latest developments in environmental land management schemes. Understanding current policies and funding opportunities will show your commitment to the role and your readiness to assist farmers with ELM agreements.
We think you need these skills to ace Walkham Land Management Advisor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the key responsibilities and requirements of the Walkham Land Management Advisor position. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with these specific needs.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Emphasise your experience in ecological management, working with farmers, and building community relationships. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to manage contractors and develop land management plans.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only introduces yourself but also explains why you are passionate about the role and how you can contribute to the Walkham Valley Landscape Recovery Scheme. Make it personal and engaging.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which is crucial for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Dartmoor National Park Authority
✨Know Your Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the Dartmoor landscape and the specific ecological features of the Walkham Valley. Being able to discuss local habitats, species, and conservation efforts will show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Build Rapport
Demonstrate your ability to build positive relationships by sharing examples from your past experiences. Highlight how you've successfully collaborated with farmers or rural communities to achieve common goals.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
Since the role requires managing contractors and coordinating surveys, be prepared to discuss your organisational strategies. Share specific instances where you effectively managed multiple tasks or projects simultaneously.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Anticipate questions about how you would approach advising farmers on ELM agreements or developing land management plans. Think through potential challenges and solutions to demonstrate your problem-solving skills.