Project Officer

Are you passionate about improving access and connecting people to nature? We are looking for an enthusiastic and creative Project Officer to work on developing the Site Access Plan for a 1300ha Landscape Recovery Scheme project in North Devon. If you have an interest in creating inclusive public access to the countryside for a wide range of users and are a good communicator with a proven track record in solving problems - this may be the ideal opportunity for you.

The Landscape Recovery Scheme will develop a 20-year habitat restoration project that creates a wildlife-friendly corridor between the Arlington Estate and the West Exmoor Coast that is climate resilient and a place where people and businesses can thrive. We have just started an initial two-year Development Phase for the National Trust, tenants and neighbouring landowners to work in partnership to create a groundbreaking scheme, tailored to local needs, that rewards land managers for delivering for nature. The Outdoor Access Project Officer will ensure that people have a place at the heart of this scheme, engaging with the countryside and being inspired to care for nature.

Hours: 0.5 FTE / 18.75 hours a week.

Contract: 2-year fixed term.

Interviews: Weds 10 July in person at Arlington Court, EX31 4LP.

Please include a covering letter and CV. Applications will be shortlisted based on the ‘Who we’re looking for’ section below, so be sure you evidence your abilities in these areas.  

What it's like to work here

Arlington Court is a 2700-acre estate of formal gardens, parkland and farmland and is a flagship nature recovery site, at the centre of the Trust’s plans for tackling the climate and nature crisis. This means you’ll be working closely with others eager to see habitats restored and species reintroduced.

You'll be joining a regional project management community – part of the South West Consultancy – who are motivated and passionate about working at pace and scale. There will be lots of opportunities for you to gain new experiences, learn from others and continue your professional development. Day-to-day you will work with the dynamic North Devon team, based mainly out of Arlington itself but hybrid working can be considered to allow this role to work for you (you could also work out of our other offices at Baggy Point or Heddon Valley).

What you'll be doing

You’ll lead on pulling together the Landscape Recovery project’s Site Access Plan, one of six key deliverables as part of the scheme. Building on existing insight this will knit together opportunities for how and where people can have more access to green space and amazing nature experiences for all. The plan will detail and map how changes and enhancements will be funded and implemented, include a maintenance schedule, and consider any permits or consents required.

We want to welcome groups of all ages and backgrounds, whether on foot, bike, tramper, horseback, tucked into a pram or even on four paws. This means you’ll be reaching out and consulting with a diverse range of stakeholders as you carry out an audit of the project area and identify opportunities to provide better, more inclusive and sustainable access to visitors from the local community and beyond.

As well as covering the Arlington Estate itself, to join up at the landscape scale you’ll also engage local landowners interested in exploring public access improvements on their land. Working closely with the Project Team you will consider the impact of paths and trails on special habitats, the environment and on heritage features in the landscape. You’ll brief, commission and manage external contractors to provide specialist insight where needed such as Equality Diversity and Inclusion consultants, green transport plans and produce access master maps. 

Who we're looking for:

• Knowledge and understanding of the opportunities and challenges around more accessible landscapes and nature connection for more people. 
• Some previous project management experience and budget responsibility. 
• Strong relationship builder, able to work with a variety of stakeholders and navigate competing demands. 
• Solid verbal, written and visual communication skills. Comfortable producing project reports, visual interpretation, mapping and presentations. 
• Able to collate a wide range of evidence and data into a coherent plan. 
• Creative thinking and problem-solving abilities. 
• Self-starter and team player who works effectively on own initiative whilst collaborating with colleagues, leading on occasion and seeking advice when needed. 

The package

The National Trust has the motto ‘For everyone, for ever’ at its heart. We’re working hard to create an inclusive culture, where everyone feels they belong. It’s important that our people reflect and represent the diversity of the communities and audiences we serve. We welcome and value difference, so when we say we’re for everyone, we want everyone to be welcome in our teams too.

• Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary
• Free entry to National Trust places for you, a guest and your children (under 18)
• Tax-free childcare scheme
• Rental deposit loan scheme
• Season ticket loan
• EV car lease scheme 
• Perks at work discounts such as gym memberships, shopping discount codes, cinema discounts
• Holiday allowance up to 32 days relating to length of service, plus holiday purchase scheme, subject to meeting minimum criteria.
• Flexible working whenever possible
• Employee assistance programme
• Free parking at most Trust places

Click here to find out more about the benefits we offer to support you.