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- Tasks: Lead woodland creation and support sustainable land management in Northumberland National Park.
- Company: Join the Northumberland National Park Authority, a forward-thinking team dedicated to nature and community.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working hours, and award-winning wellbeing initiatives.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on landscapes and communities while working in stunning natural surroundings.
- Qualifications: Degree in a land-based discipline or equivalent experience in upland farming and land management.
- Other info: Opportunity for hands-on work and collaboration with farmers and landowners.
The predicted salary is between 29000 - 33000 £ per year.
About this role
Maternity Cover contract | Band 5 Full time (37 hours per week) Based Hexham/Rothbury with the possibility of some working from home. £34,434 – £38,220 per annum Flexi time.
Help shape the future of one of England's most iconic landscapes. Northumberland National Park Authority is looking for a passionate and practical Farming and Rural Enterprise Officer to join our Farming team on a maternity cover basis. This is a rare opportunity to support land managers while delivering real impact for nature, climate and communities.
About the role
You will play a key role in delivering our ambitions for sustainable land management, working closely with farmers, landowners, partners and colleagues across the Authority. With a particular focus on woodland creation and management, you will help turn strategy into action—providing trusted advice, developing projects, and supporting agri-environment delivery across the National Park. This is a hands-on, outward-facing role, ideal for someone who enjoys working in complex upland landscapes and building strong relationships on the ground.
What you will be doing:
- Leading the woodland creation workstream, promoting the Right Tree, Right Place approach.
- Advising farmers and land managers on agri-environment and woodland schemes, including DEFRA programmes.
- Supporting rural businesses with diversification, renewable energy and climate adaptation projects.
- Developing and delivering projects that enhance natural capital, biodiversity and sustainable enterprise.
- Monitoring habitats and agri-environment outcomes to ensure real environmental gains.
- Working with partners and colleagues to shape policy, influence delivery and share expertise.
- Maintaining landscape, woodland and GIS records and contributing to reporting and performance targets.
About you
You will bring a strong grounding in upland farming and land management, alongside the confidence to advise, influence and collaborate. You will need:
- 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. A degree in a land-based discipline (or equivalent experience).
Why join us?
- Work in a stunning protected landscape with real purpose.
- Be part of a supportive, collaborative and forward-thinking team.
- Award winning wellbeing initiatives for staff.
- Influence how farming, forestry and nature recovery work together.
- Make a tangible difference to landscapes, livelihoods and communities.
CLOSING DATE: 8am on 23 February 2026
Location: Based at Hexham or Rothbury, Northumberland with some homeworking.
Farming And Rural Enterprise Officer – Maternity Cover Contract in Hexham employer: Northumberland National Park Authority
Contact Detail:
Northumberland National Park Authority Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Farming And Rural Enterprise Officer – Maternity Cover Contract in Hexham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the farming and rural enterprise sector. Attend local events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers or during interviews, make sure to express your enthusiasm for sustainable land management and working with communities. Share your ideas on how you can contribute to their goals—this will set you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky questions! Research common interview questions related to agri-environment schemes and woodland management. Think about your past experiences and how they relate to the role. Practising your answers will help you feel more confident when it’s time to shine.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got all the latest job listings, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team at Northumberland National Park Authority. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Farming And Rural Enterprise Officer – Maternity Cover Contract in Hexham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: Let us see your enthusiasm for farming and rural enterprise! Share your experiences and what drives you to make a difference in sustainable land management. We love candidates who are genuinely excited about the role.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant skills and experiences. We want to know how your background aligns with our needs, especially in woodland creation and agri-environment schemes.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate well-structured applications that make it easy for us to see your qualifications.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Northumberland National Park Authority
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of upland farming and land management. Familiarise yourself with the specific agri-environment schemes mentioned in the job description, especially those related to woodland creation. This will show that you're not just interested in the role but also have a solid understanding of the key issues.
✨Show Your Passion
This role is all about making a real impact for nature and communities. Be prepared to share examples of how you've contributed to similar projects in the past. Whether it's through previous work or personal initiatives, demonstrating your passion for sustainable land management will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Build Relationships
Since this position involves working closely with farmers and landowners, think about how you can showcase your interpersonal skills. Prepare anecdotes that highlight your ability to build strong relationships and communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders. This will be crucial in showing that you can thrive in an outward-facing role.
✨Be Ready for Practical Scenarios
Expect some scenario-based questions during the interview. They might ask how you would approach advising a farmer on woodland management or how you'd handle a challenging situation with a landowner. Practising your responses to these types of questions will help you feel more confident and articulate during the interview.