Species Recovery Officer in Leeds
Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust Leeds About the role
Full-time, permanent 35 hours per week (part time at four days per week will be considered) | £32,542 - £34,306 | Based at our office in Clapham, near Settle, and Forest of Bowland Office, Dunsop Bridge (mix of office and home working).
Join Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust and help protect some of the region's most important wildlife and habitats. Working within our successful Hay Time team, you'll lead species recovery projects while supporting the restoration of grasslands across the Yorkshire Dales and Forest of Bowland. We're looking for someone with experience in grassland restoration who can work effectively with landowners, volunteers and partners. This is a rewarding opportunity to make a real difference for nature, climate and local communities while developing your career with a local charity delivering lasting environmental impact.
About the role:
- Our successful Hay Time project has enabled the restoration and enhancement of more than 850 hectares of wildflower hay meadows.
- As part of our Hay Time strategy, we are now working with Natural England's Species Recovery Programme, Yorkshire Dales National Park and Forest of Bowland to link the conservation of wildflower grasslands and waxcap grasslands.
- We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Project Officer to lead on delivering our species recovery work.
- This varied role will focus on supporting the enhancement of grasslands and verges with rarer species, the conservation of waxcap fungi and safeguarding populations of the Barred Tooth-striped moth across the Yorkshire Dales and Forest of Bowland.
- You will also support our work to protect and restore species-rich hay meadows, raise public awareness, enjoyment and understanding of this nationally important habitat.
- The role will involve training volunteers to identify rare species and support ongoing monitoring and impact of our work.
- You will play a critical role in enabling YDMT to expand our grassland and woodland work, increasing our ability to help tackle climate change, biodiversity loss and connect more people with nature.
About you:
- We're looking for someone with a background in hay meadow and grassland restoration who can work with a range of landowners, providing advice and guidance.
- Your role will focus on managing complex grassland schemes and providing targeted land management advice.
- You will need to work across YDMT's teams and partners to share expertise and knowledge and be able to deliver within timeframes and budgets.
- Underpinning all of this is your ability to work within our culture which means sharing our values of being creative, caring, honest and enabling.
We believe the role will be a highly rewarding one, and a real opportunity for someone to develop their skills in a fantastic organisation, whilst benefiting this wonderful area and its communities.
About Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust:
We are a small charity doing big things to help to protect and enhance the People, Landscape and Wildlife of the Dales. For 29 years we have delivered diverse and inspirational projects, helping to plant 1.6 million trees and securing the future of more than 850 hectares of wildflower hay meadows, creating habitats for our wildlife and combatting climate change. We are passionate about inspiring disadvantaged groups and future generations to care for this special area. Our three-year strategy is centred around building partnerships that increase the scale and pace of nature recovery.
The deadline for applications is 9am, 27th July 2026. Interviews to be held week commencing 3rd August 2026.
Your tasks
Lead species recovery projects and enhance grasslands in the Yorkshire Dales.
Your profile
Experience in grassland restoration and ability to work with diverse stakeholders.
What's also included
Competitive salary, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional growth.
Tech stack & ways of working
Species Recovery Officer in Leeds employer: Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust
Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust is an exceptional employer dedicated to environmental conservation and community engagement. With a supportive work culture that values employee development, you will have opportunities to grow your skills while making a meaningful impact on wildlife and habitats in the stunning Yorkshire Dales. Enjoy a flexible working environment that combines office and home working, allowing for a healthy work-life balance in a picturesque location.
View Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust profile
Your perspectives
Make a real impact on nature and local communities while developing your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice
Dive into Environmental Networks
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Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Passion for Sustainability
In your cover letter, let your enthusiasm for sustainability shine through. Share any relevant experiences, like projects, volunteer work, or events you've participated in that align with Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust's values. This position isn't just about meeting qualifications; it's about genuinely caring for the environment and showing us why you're the right fit for Species Recovery Officer.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications and Experience
Make sure to showcase any specific qualifications, such as degrees in environmental science or certifications in sustainability practices in your CV. We want to see how your academic background and practical experiences align with the job you're applying for, so don’t hold back on anything that demonstrates your expertise in environmental management.
Tailor Your CV to the Role
As we're looking for someone to jump into a full-time role, be specific about previous roles or projects that demonstrate your capabilities in sustainability. Use bullet points to make accomplishments clear, and don’t forget to quantify your achievements wherever possible – it’s all about showing us the impact of your work!
Research Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust and Reflect It In Your Application
We love candidates who take the time to understand what we're about. Mention specific initiatives or projects that Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust is known for in your cover letter. This shows us that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely excited about the chance to contribute to our mission in the role of Species Recovery Officer.
How to prepare for a job interview at Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust
Brush Up on Environmental Legislation
Given that we're diving into sustainability and environmental management, it’s crucial to have a solid understanding of current environmental laws and regulations. Be prepared to discuss how these laws apply to real-world scenarios, as you might face some technical questions about compliance and best practices during your chat with Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust.
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Familiarity with Tools and Software
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Locations
- Leeds
