Contract type: Full time, fixed term (maternity cover) until the post holder returns (expected until around 11 July 2027).
Location: Hybrid, at least two days office based, including each Tuesday, Wednesday and/or Thursday at Wayfaring House, Kendal, LA9 and some home working
Interview date: Monday 1 June
We’re looking for a Farming Officer, for a period of maternity cover, to support the delivery of the Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL) programme to help Lake District farmers and land managers navigate agricultural transition, build resilient businesses, and deliver practical projects that benefit nature, climate, people and place. This is a fantastic opportunity to join a dedicated team, supporting farmers and land managers through the changes and challenges facing farming. You’ll also play a part in shaping the future of this special place, helping deliver the Lake District National Park Partnership Management Plan.
Timing and application window
We’d ideally like someone to start in early July to allow for a handover with our current Farming Officer before their maternity leave starts. We may close this advert early if we receive a high volume of applications, so please apply as soon as possible.
Key responsibilities
• Support delivery of the Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL) programme, working with farmers and land managers to develop strong applications and deliver high-quality projects
• Provide clear advice and guidance on land management and funding opportunities, translating policy and evidence into practical next steps
• Combine strategic awareness with a practical, hands-on approach by turning priorities and evidence into effective, relatable projects for Lake District farming systems, and building trusted relationships, groups and networks
• Help deliver benefits for nature, climate, people and place across the National Park, contributing to farm business resilience, the Local Nature Recovery Strategy and net zero ambitions
• Support improved health and wellbeing through access to nature, helping to sustain the cultural landscape that underpins the Lake District’s visitor economy
• Work collaboratively with colleagues and partners to celebrate and sustain the Lake District’s cultural heritage and farming-led landscape
About you
We welcome applications from people who can show:
• A trusted, approachable communicator who can work well with farmers and land managers and explain complex information clearly
• Good understanding of farming systems and the opportunities and challenges of agricultural transition
• Able to balance strategic awareness with practical delivery – turning ideas, evidence and policy into relatable projects
• Confident working with multiple information sources and managing or supporting complex projects
• Good digital skills, including using Microsoft Teams, Word and Excel and working confidently with databases or online systems
• A track record of building effective groups, partnerships and networks
What’s it like to work with us?
Our people are passionate about the landscape and proud of the role they play to look after it and help a wide range of people enjoy it. We are innovative and agile in our approach to work, ensuring we get the best from our resources. We operate a hybrid way of working combining working from home and days at our office base at Wayfaring House, Kendal or at our office base, within the national park. You’ll be provided with a laptop to enable you to access our secure IT network when working remotely.
About us
The Lake District National Park Authority looks after this unique corner of England and UNESCO World Heritage Site. We encourage people to protect, connect and grow as well as supporting those who live and work here. Our staff include rangers and field workers, advisers at our visitor centres, planners and ecologists.
Working with us, you’ll enjoy
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Free parking in our carparks
• Paid time off so you can volunteer
• Subsidised healthcare scheme
• Commitment to wellbeing
We’re happy to talk about flexible working – let us know if you want to find out more.
Contact
For an informal chat and to find out more, please contact Tim Duckmanton (Team Leader - Strategy and Environment) tim.duckmanton@lakedistrict.gov.uk or Alice Collier (Lead Strategy Advisor - Land Management) alice.collier@lakedistrict.gov.uk
Diversity and Inclusion
As an equal opportunities' employer, the Lake District National Park Authority is committed to the equal treatment of all current and prospective employees and does not condone discrimination based on age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, gender identity, or marriage and civil partnership.
Disability Confident Employer
We guarantee to interview anyone with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the role. By ‘minimum criteria’ we mean that you must provide evidence in your application which demonstrates that you meet the level of competence required under each of the essential criteria, as well as meeting any of the qualification, skills or experience defined as essential.
