Conservation Officer in Newcastle

The Officer will support the development and delivery of habitat management plans including conservation grazing elements for the NI Water in their Mournes (upland) catchments. The post holder will be proficient in Microsoft Office and digital mapping software such as ARC GIS or Q GIS in the field (uplands). They will be able to record analysis data and conduct desk-based research.

LOCATION: Based at Mourne Heritage Trust (MHT) offices, 19 Causeway Road, Newcastle with hot desk access at other locations, and hybrid working by agreement. Occasional travel throughout the UK and Ireland will be required.

CONTRACT: Fixed Term Contract to 31st March 2028, an extension is subject to addition or funding extension. This job is likely to include weekend and evening work and may include focusing hours in particular seasons. Time off in lieu for overworked hours. This post is subject to a 6-month probationary period.

LEAVE: 25 days annual leave and 12 statutory holidays.

Reporting to Landscape Services Development Manager. Transport: Access to a work vehicle will be provided to facilitate access getting to and from site locations. Access to a suitable form of transport to travel to MHT office locations will be required along with a full clean driving licence.

Other Benefits: Flexi time system, onsite parking and a basic health care plan, provided by the Hospital Saturday Fund.

Requirement: Prospective candidates must have the legal right to work in the UK. Basic Access NI check will be completed prior to appointment.

Project Overview: Mourne Heritage Trust (MHT) supports Northern Ireland Water (NIW) to improve the condition of important upland habitats across the Mourne catchments, with a particular focus on the Eastern Mournes Special Area of Conservation (EMSAC) and the Western Mournes ASSI. These landscapes are internationally and nationally important for their biodiversity, peatland habitats and their role in supplying clean drinking water for a fifth of Northern Ireland's population.

A key part of NIW land management plans is the use of conservation grazing on NIW land in the Silent Valley catchment. Conservation grazing involves the careful management of herbivores to help maintain and restore habitats such as species-rich grassland, peatland and wet heath. When planned, monitored and adopted effectively, grazing can improve habitat condition, support species recovery, reduce the build-up of vegetation that contributes to wildfire risk, and strengthen the overall resilience of the landscape.

Job Purpose: As Conservation Officer, you will work closely with other MHT project teams, NIW (SCAMP), graziers, mountain users, other key stakeholders and forums to help deliver conservation and enhancement of habitats and the species they support in the Mournes catchments. The role includes supporting targeted grazing, habitat restoration, fire prevention and response, ecological and other surveys, habitat condition and species monitoring in the Mourne uplands, and stakeholder engagement.

You will provide practical and technical support on the ground, ensuring safe working practices while helping deliver conservation projects across the uplands. Responsibilities include field surveying, data collection and analysis, supporting sheep movements for targeted grazing, trialling grazing technologies, and overseeing works such as boundary repairs, erosion control, and habitat restoration.

You will help facilitate Mourne Wildfire Group Meetings and support NIW graziers with any initiatives that support positive change to habitat condition in the Eastern Mournes SAC including potential participation in DAERA's Environmental Farming Schemes (EFS) and other nature-based approaches that have the potential to strengthen habitat and species recovery within the Mournes.

This role will support the delivery of that work by helping to coordinate grazing activity, monitor outcomes, record and analyse data, reporting to appropriate key stakeholders including graziers and partners, and contribute to wider habitat management across the Mournes.

Serve as the primary day-to-day contact for graziers, responding to queries by phone, WhatsApp and email, including occasional out-of-hours support. Liaise with Northern Ireland Water and key stakeholders to support habitat recovery within the Mourne catchments through conservation grazing and other initiatives.

Support the grazing contracts delivery, resolving issues and ensuring effective implementation. Use digital mapping software to map, analyse field data, and report on the development and delivery of on-ground habitat recovery works, including invasive species control, fencing, wall repairs and wet heath management on NI Water land by staff and contractors.

Conduct risk assessments and ensure compliance with health and safety policies and procedures, including CDM Regulations and Habitat Regulations requirements, as required. Promote best-practice approaches and knowledge sharing with contractors, key stakeholders and external service providers.

Support the development of DAERA's 10-year fire management plans and help facilitate Mourne Fire Group meetings and events. Work with partner organisations to support training and capacity-building activities. Support MHT in coordinating volunteers and community groups involved in project delivery within NIW Mourne catchments.

Maintain up-to-date knowledge through relevant training and awareness of statutory requirements.

General Requirements: Actively contribute to the MHT teams and promote the sharing of knowledge with programme partners and across the wider heritage sector. Comply with MHT policies and practices at all times and observe the policies and practices of other project partners. Ensure that contact with others is of a style and quality consistent with Mourne Heritage Trust's ethos.

Qualifications: Level six third level qualification in a relevant subject and at least 2 years relevant full-time experience, or the part-time equivalent, or 5 years relevant work experience full-time (or equivalent part-time experience) in an environmental/ecology/land management role. Knowledge of environmental and agricultural issues and initiatives that may impact on grazing and site management. Experience of overseeing or undertaking practical countryside works, including implementing health and safety policies and procedures. Experience of building and maintaining effective relationships with landowners and farmers, brokering solutions and solving problems.

Ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and verbally, including presentations, report writing and engaging with a diverse range of people at all levels. High level of computer literacy, with a good working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications including Excel, PowerPoint and Word. Experience of digital mapping and surveying using ArcGIS or QGIS, with a track record of data analysis and desk-based research. Full clean driving licence. Experience of managing contractors to carry out capital site works. Proven track record of field surveys, including Phase 1 and Phase 2 JNCC vegetation surveys. Experience of fire management prevention issues, response or training. Experience of developing DAERA Environment Fund farm plans.

How to Apply: Complete and submit the online application in the required format by the deadline. You will also be asked to submit a separate equality monitoring form. The deadline for submission (online) is Monday 15th June 2026 by 12 noon.

Equality Monitoring and Criminal Convictions Disclosure: Along with the application form, you will be asked to complete and return the Equal Opportunities Monitoring and Criminal Convictions Disclosure Form in a separate document. Equal Opportunities: Mourne Heritage Trust is an equal opportunities employer, and all applications for employment are considered strictly on the basis of merit. Mourne Heritage Trust is committed to promoting equality of opportunity for people with disabilities. We guarantee an interview to a person who states they have or have had a disability and who meets the minimum essential criteria for the post. Applicants with a disability who meet the minimum essential eligibility criteria for the role they have applied for, are offered an interview. Details of any disability are only used for these purposes and do not form any part of the selection process. If you have indicated on your application that you have a disability, are successful in the selection process and are being considered for appointment, you may be asked to outline any reasonable adjustments you consider necessary in order for you to take up an appointment.