Fixed term contract until 31 March 2029
Interview date scheduled for Tuesday 16 June
We’re looking for an Assistant Farming Officer to support the delivery of the Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL) scheme and other environmental and farming funding initiatives. You’ll help farmers and land managers to develop strong grant applications and deliver projects that make a difference for nature, climate, people and place. This role supports how we contribute to delivering net zero, support nature’s recovery, improve opportunities for people’s health and wellbeing as well as increase the Lake District National Park’s recognition as a great visitor destination.
As Assistant Farming Officer, you’ll have potential for career development and to attend related training. And by working closely with the Farming Officer, you’ll help raise awareness of FiPL throughout the farming community. This will involve visiting farmers to discuss their ideas and help farmers submit applications that fit the scheme criteria. You’ll also encourage farmers and land managers to take new opportunities available to them.
Key responsibilities
• Build strong working relationships with farmers and land managers and act as a helpful point of contact for FiPL and related opportunities
• Promote the programme and increase engagement through farm visits and attendance at events (for example auctions and shows)
• Support applicants to develop project ideas and submit clear, complete applications, including guidance on eligibility, evidence and timescales
• Develop a working understanding of farming and environmental land management schemes, and apply programme guidance and criteria consistently
• Help monitor and track project delivery and outcomes, maintaining accurate records and documentation
• Support the processing of grant claims and contribute to reporting, ensuring requirements are met
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across the Authority
• Support the Farming Officer organising and hosting farming events
Additionally, there may be opportunities to work with partner organisations, including the National Trust and Natural England.
About you
We welcome applications from people who can show:
• Ability to build effective working relationships with farmers and land managers, using clear and respectful communication
• Willingness and ability to visit farms and attend events (for example auctions and shows) as part of the role
• An interest in promoting sustainable farming and land management practices that contribute to climate resilience, nature recovery, and the long term protection of landscape heritage and agro pastoral traditions.
• Ability to learn programme guidance and apply criteria consistently when supporting applications
• Good digital skills, including using Microsoft Teams, Word and Excel and working confidently with databases or online systems
• Ability to produce clear written information and maintain accurate records
This is a fantastic opportunity to join a dedicated team, supporting farmers and land managers to help move through the changes and challenges that farming is experiencing. As well as getting involved with the future of this special place, as we embark on the delivery of the new Partnership Management Plan.
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
• Cycle to Work schemes
• 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 Eliza Hodgson (Farming Officer) eliza.hodgson@lakedistrict.gov.uk
We reserve the right to close this advert early should we receive sufficient applications, so please apply early to avoid missing this opportunity.
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.
