Farming and Rural Enterprise Officer (maternity cover) in Hexham

Northumberland National Park Authority

Post: Farming and Rural Enterprise Officer

Directorate: Park Management

Responsible to: Head of Farming and Rural Enterprise

Responsible for: No direct reports

Grade: Band 5

Job Purpose

Ensure activities and projects are delivered to meet corporate objectives and targets in sustainable land management in line with the NNPA Management Plan, Business Plan and Natural Environment Vision (NEV). Lead on advice relating to farm woodland creation and woodland management. Engaging with the relevant partner organisations, communities, and individuals to develop and deliver innovative and enterprising solutions. While also providing support to the wider team on agri-environment schemes, Forest Design Plan Consultations and the sustainable use of Natural Capital.

Responsibilities

• Strategy Development and Implementation: Liaise with other staff, especially the Head of Farming and Rural Enterprise and the Head of Conservation and Environment, Ecologist and Historic Environment Officer, to ensure effective targeting of schemes to secure delivery of the Authority’s strategies and corporate objectives, taking into account wider issues such as Natural Capital enhancement, climate change ambition and catchment planning.
• Project Development and Implementation: Develop the woodland creation workstream. Help to identify and develop future projects including rural enterprise initiatives to address local needs and achieve strategic outcomes identified by the Authority and set within local community strategies. Provide advice on funding through the Authority’s and other Grants Schemes. Provide advice and help in the development of projects to increase professionalism and provide skills development in upland land management. Ensure that work and service provision is carried out in a manner which safeguards the health and safety of the workforce and the general public observing and applying H & S Policy and Practices. Report to the designated H & S representative accidents and dangerous occurrences.
• Support and Advocacy: Provide detailed technical advice, training to farmers, landowners and managers, staff and the Authority on woodland aspects of DEFRA’s agri-environment schemes. Working closely with partner organisations, ensure that these schemes are widely and effectively applied in the National Park to deliver the Authority’s Vision, statutory purposes and corporate objectives. Provide advice and support to encourage sustainable and appropriate woodland creation and forestry schemes, supporting the National Parks joint definition of Right Tree, Right place. Working with the team develop, monitor and review policy in relation to natural capital and the farmed landscape in order to achieve the Authority’s stated objectives and outcomes; Carry out monitoring of existing agri-environment schemes to ensure that the current management prescriptions are bringing about the desired improvements in habitats. Provide advice to land based businesses on the development of rural diversification projects, renewable energy and climate adaptation schemes.
• Partnership and Liaison: Through collaboration with other organisations, contribute to the development of the Authority’s role as a key consultee and advisor for the delivery of land based schemes, including the provision of land surveys, management plans, technical advice and training for applicants and their agents. Work with other staff within the Authority to interpret farming and related rural issues to a wider audience. Maintain and enhance the Authority’s landscape, woodland and forestry records and GIS database and liaise with other relevant organisations to develop common standards. Deliver sustainable land management activities with a focus on empowering communities and enterprising local businesses and social enterprise. As part of a team, support a culture which fosters innovation, creativity, open communication and collaboration throughout the Authority.
• Asset and Performance Management: Report regularly on Natural Environment Vision targets and outcomes for landholdings. Report and maintain service targets for volunteer engagement. Manage and report outcomes for income generation through available funding mechanisms.
• Other Duties: Write reports for the Authority and Leadership Team as required. Proactively support the promotion of equality and inclusion in all areas of work. Undertake any other duties consistent with the post as may be directed by the Head of Farming and Rural Enterprise.

Person Specification

Essential Requirements

• Knowledge: Educated to degree level in a land based discipline or equivalent level of experience. Knowledge of upland species and habitats, including woodland.
• Experience: Extensive experience and in-depth knowledge of upland farming and land management systems. Experience of working with agri-environment schemes, including woodland schemes. Experience of working with farmers and landowners and other statutory agencies.
• Skills: Geographical Information Systems. Good interpersonal skills and especially an ability to communicate well with land managers.
• Personal Qualities: Ability to travel to sites throughout the National Park in order to fulfil the requirements of the post.

Desirable Requirements

• Extensive experience of woodland creation and management, as well as forestry consultations i.e. Forest Design Plans.
• Knowledge of National Park purposes.
• Experience of budget management.
• Experience of working with a wide range of stakeholders including volunteers.
• Detailed knowledge of the agencies involved in the rural economy and awareness of the government’s new agenda for modernising rural delivery.
• Habitat and vegetation monitoring skills.
• An ability to express complex ideas clearly in a written form.
• An appreciation of the issues related to open access.