Farmland Conservation and Nature Recovery Lead Adviser –

Details

Reference number

322445

Salary

£27,273

A Civil Service Pension with an average employer contribution of 27%

Job grade

Higher Executive Officer

Lead Adviser

Contract type

Permanent

Type of role

Operational Delivery

Working pattern

Full-time

Number of jobs available

2

Contents

Location
About the job
Benefits
Things you need to know
Apply and further information

Location

North West England

About the job

Job summary

This position can be based at Kendal or Manchester

Job description

The Cheshire to Lancashire Team
We provide environmental leadership across an area of 6 million people and home to some magnificent natural assets, where Nature Recovery and Partnerships are at the heart of everything we do. Restoring habitats, reconnecting the natural environment and connecting people with nature across the Lancashire uplands of West Pennine Moors and Bowland Fells, the wetlands and rivers of Cheshire, the wildlife-rich Irish Sea coast and urban heartland of Greater Manchester and Liverpool City Region.
In 2023 we have an ambitious plan to build a resilient natural environment. We want to support flourishing landscapes that are a source of pride, rural employment, access and enjoyment. We want to continue to develop and expand our farm advice to deliver more benefits across mosaics of habitats for biodiversity, water quality, air quality, flood management, climate change and the wider farmed environment, and to develop Countryside Stewardship agreements with local Nature Recovery & Species Recovery.
Job description
The role:
Would you like to help us support our farmers and land managers to farm in a more nature friendly way and restore precious habitats?
This is a challenging but exciting role, with strong demand and high reward; We are looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic individual to work closely with farmers and land managers to promote and implement practical measures to enhance nature’s recovery and improvement, whilst balancing the need for food production and benefitting farm businesses; this role requires strong communication skills, multitasking and the ability to work to deadlines.

To do this effectively, you will have the appropriate professional and practical knowledge and experience to ensure effective communication with farmers, as well those with non-farming perspectives; and
Conduct targeted farm/field visits to assess habitats and environmental priorities and provide technical advice on agri-environment schemes (i.e. Countryside Stewardship applications, Higher-Level Stewardship extensions and Higher Tier Capital Grants, Sustainable Farming Incentive)
Keep up to date on emerging new scheme initiatives and financial incentives for farmers (to look after and improve the environment) that are relevant to the role
Combine ecological and farm management/business considerations, finding opportunities to develop land management proposals that will work in practice to deliver Natural England’s objectives
Promote nature conservation, protect biodiversity and identify opportunities to deliver benefits for thriving wildlife, people and nature, and tackle the effects of climate change
You will actively work to identify opportunities to support, maintain and enhance the condition of protected sites, improve their habitat management and species abundance
Ensure timely recording of interactions, advice and support given
You will play a key role as part of a bigger cohesive team; enjoy working closely with colleagues, but also thrive when working independently and taking responsibility for your own projects

Applications from those with a background in farming, agriculture or other sectors outside of ecology/conservation are very welcome, provided an understanding and interest in the fundamental principles of farmland conservation and ecology can be demonstrated.
Skills and Knowledge:
We are looking for individuals who have a broad combination of knowledge and technical skills set out below:

You have an interest (and keen to learn about) agricultural issues, farming practices and integrating the production of high quality food with protecting and improving the environment
An understanding of farmland ecology and practical habitat management
A relevant higher qualification (e.g. HND, level 5 NVQ, degree /postgraduate) in an environmental discipline /conservation/agriculture, OR significant practical experience of working in the environmental, conservation or farming sector
The ability to identify some priority habitats and species. Experience of conducting fieldwork would be advantageous; (training will be available)
Some knowledge of agri-environment schemes such as Environmental Stewardship or Countryside Stewardship would be advantageous; you should, at least, have an awareness of the schemes that are currently available

It is important to note that this role will require travel to outdoor sites, farm holdings and meetings across the Cheshire to Lancashire Area, so a full driving licence is essential.

Competencies

Competence 1
Professional competency

Detail
Technical Skills and experience

Description

Understanding of agricultural land management practices in the context of nature recovery

Knowledge of ecological practices e.g. field surveys, data analysis and habitat management practices
Knowledge of the management needs of some priority habitats/species; please share your experience of practical habitat management which improved its condition

Competence 2
Professional competency

Detail
Personal Effectiveness

Description

Act with integrity, addressing challenging issues and managing conflict through being open and objective

Use your professional judgement to make evidence-based decisions and be able to communicate them in a practical, helpful and impartial way

Competence 3
Professional competency

Detail
Putting People at the Heart of the Environment

Description
Nurture trusting partnerships and collaborate to achieve pragmatic outcomes that help deliver the vision, mission and aims of the organisation you represent; Listen to and understand our diverse partners and customers so that you achieve the best outcomes for them and the organisation that you represent

Competence 4
Professional competency

Detail
Work Delivery

Description

Manage and deliver your work to meet agreed targets and deadlines. Interpret and apply relevant evidence to underpin your advice

Person specification

Please refer to Job Description

Licences

Full driving licence

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £27,273, Natural England contributes £7,390 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

Learning and development tailored to your role
An environment with flexible working options
A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
A Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 27%

Things you need to know

Selection process details

Please refer to Job Description

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.

People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

UK nationals
nationals of the Republic of Ireland
nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service
Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission’s recruitment principles (opens in a new window).

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

Apply and further information

The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment (opens in new window).

Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Contact point for applicants

Job contact :

Name :

Samantha Critchley

Email :

samantha.critchley@naturalengland.org.uk

Telephone :

07770322937

Recruitment team

Email :

defra-recruitment-enquiries@gov.sscl.com

Further information

https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/natural-england/about/complaints-procedure

https://networkrecruitment.tal.net/vx/appcentre-7/brand-4/candidate/so/pm/1/pl/8/opp/5541-5541-Farmland-Conservation-and-Nature-Recovery-Lead-Adviser/en-GB