Research and Monitoring Officer (Moors for the Future Partnership)

The Moors for the Future Partnership (MFFP) is an externally funded partnership organisation within the Peak District National Park Authority. MFFP carries out evidence-led moorland conservation and engages with academia and fellow practitioners to maintain, share and advance knowledge and best practice within the field.

We are increasing our team of Research and Monitoring Officers to contribute towards the delivery of MFFP's expanding research and monitoring programme. The successful candidate will carry out a mix of field data collection (including routine maintenance of monitoring sites), data analysis, and report writing (including both internal reports and formal reports for dissemination to funders and elsewhere). There will also be opportunities to engage with academia, other moorland conservation practitioners and members of the public.

The successful candidate will work on a range of existing and new projects, covering the upland peatlands from the Roaches in the south, through to Ilkley Moor in the north, and will be supported by experienced staff and casual staff who are familiar with the sites, projects and protocols. Travel throughout the Peak District and South Pennines is therefore an integral feature of this role, and the successful candidate must have a UK driving licence and access to a motor vehicle.

Proven experience in setting up ecological monitoring trials and in data analysis techniques, undertaken in addition to academic degree studies, will be advantageous.

The current end date for this post is 31st July 2028. The Moors for the Future Partnership is currently awaiting confirmation of additional forward funding. If this confirmation is received, then there will potentially be scope to extend this job contract to March 2030, but this is unconfirmed at this stage.

This post is advertised as full-time, but we would consider a part-time working of 4 or 4.5 days per week instead. Two of the normal working days would need to be Monday and Wednesday, when we hold our team meetings.

This is a career-graded post. Progression to Senior Research and Monitoring Officer is possible following four years’ service plus demonstration of the necessary qualities and availability of work at the senior level.

You will be educated to BSc level in a natural science or other relevant degree. You will be numerate and have technical science writing skills, and be able to manage and analyse large datasets. You will have experience of working outdoors and collecting field data, preferably in an upland environment. You will have a full UK driving licence and access to a motor vehicle. Ideally, you will have a good knowledge of biological recording, upland ecosystems, ecosystem services and moorland restoration techniques.

In return, we can offer you the opportunity of making a real difference to the South Pennine uplands, working as part of a friendly and focused team. You will be based at the Moorland Centre, in the beautiful village of Edale, minutes from the Pennine Way.

The Peak District National Park was the first of Britain’s 15 national parks and is still enjoyed by millions, looking for both adventure and a breathing space to escape. It is also the most accessible due to its proximity to four major cities in the UK and its 38,000 residents. We recognise the importance of our national park, and our job is to speak up and care for the Peak District National Park for all to enjoy forever.

If you have any questions about the role, please contact [email protected]. No agencies at this time please.

We offer a range of staff benefits including flexi-time, a high-quality defined benefit pension scheme (2 years to qualifying period), 26-31 days holiday (plus bank holidays) with the option to purchase more, volunteering leave and free parking at most of our offices. Please check out our Total Reward Brochure to see what else we offer.

A range of flexible working options would be considered:

• Flexitime as standard
• Working 4 days or 4.5 days a week would be considered (normal working days would need to include Monday and Wednesday)
• Hybrid working following induction period (minimum of two days per week attending the office/site)

Our Values

• Care – We care for the Peak District National Park, the people we work with and all those we serve. It’s at the heart of everything we do.
• Enjoy – We take pride in what we do and feel good about our contribution.
• Pioneer – We were born of pioneers. We will continue to explore opportunities to inspire future generations.

The Peak District National Park Authority is committed to equal opportunities. We aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply and join us.

We are a “Disability Confident” employer and have committed to offering an interview to a proportionate number of applicants who declare a disability, if they meet the minimum criteria for the job. Please select 'Yes' if you wish to be considered on this basis.

If you are unable to apply online and require a Word version of the application form, please contact [email protected]. You must have the right to work in the UK. We are unfortunately unable to offer sponsorship visas. Evidence of the right to work in the UK will be requested before appointment.