About this role
Maternity Cover contract | Band 5
1. Full time (37 hours per week)
2. Based Hexham/Rothbury with the possibility of some working from home.
3. £34,434 – £38,220 per annum
4. 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’ll 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’ll 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’ll be doing
5. Leading the woodland creation workstream, promoting the Right Tree, Right Place approach
6. Advising farmers and land managers on agri-environment and woodland schemes, including DEFRA programmes
7. Supporting rural businesses with diversification, renewable energy and climate adaptation projects
8. Developing and delivering projects that enhance natural capital, biodiversity and sustainable enterprise
9. Monitoring habitats and agri-environment outcomes to ensure real environmental gains
10. Working with partners and colleagues to shape policy, influence delivery and share expertise
11. Maintaining landscape, woodland and GIS records and contributing to reporting and performance targets
About you
You’ll bring a strong grounding in upland farming and land management, alongside the confidence to advise, influence and collaborate.
You will need:
Knowledge
12. Educated to degree level in a land based discipline or equivalent level of experience.
13. Knowledge of upland species and habitats, including woodland.
Experience
Extensive experience and in-depth knowledge of upland farming and land management systems.
14. Experience of working with agri-environment schemes, including woodland schemes.
15. Experience of working with farmers and landowners and other statutory agencies.
Skills
16. Geographical Information Systems.
17. Good interpersonal skills and especially an ability to communicate well with land managers.
Personal Qualities
18. Ability to travel to sites throughout the National Park in order to fulfil the requirements of the post.
19. A degree in a land-based discipline (or equivalent experience)
Why join us?
20. Work in a stunning protected landscape with real purpose
21. Be part of a supportive, collaborative and forward-thinking team
22. Award winning wellbeing initiatives for staff
23. Influence how farming, forestry and nature recovery work together
24. 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
Closing date:
23/02/2026
Related documents:
25. Job Pack - Farming and Enterprise Officer maternity cover