Jewels of the Dales Project Officer

Location: Grassington, near Skipton, with some flexibility for remote working
Hours: Full time, 37 hours per week
Contract: Fixed term for 12 months

Are you motivated by the chance to protect the threatened and iconic species that define the Yorkshire Dales? Do you want to put your conservation skills to use in one of the UK’s most remarkable landscapes? If so, this is a great opportunity to join our Land Management Team as the Jewels of the Dales Project Officer. The role is fixed term for 12 months, with the possibility of longer-term continuation.

About Us

We are the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority. Our role is to protect, enhance and promotes the immense beauty, wildlife and character of this remarkable landscape. Set against expansive heather moorland tops, each valley has its own distinct charm, from crags and waterfalls to an underground labyrinth of caves.

The Benefits

• Competitive salary: £29,540 to £36,363 per annum
• Generous leave: 26 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays
• Flexible working: Flexi-time scheme
• Excellent pension: Local Government Defined Benefit Pension Scheme
• Wellbeing support: Subsidised healthcare scheme, cycle to work scheme and staff discounts
• Free parking

The Role

This role supports the delivery of a National Lottery Heritage Fund pre-development project that will shape the Landscape Connections ‘Jewels of the Dales’ scheme. The aim is to secure longer term funding for future work.

You will contribute to protecting threatened species and habitats through targeted conservation activity. A key part of the project is strengthening the part farmers and farming heritage play in a livelihoods-based approach that supports nature-friendly land management.

You will work closely with partners organisations, farmers and landowners, drawing on strong practice in land management and nature-friendly farming.

We are open to considering a secondment arrangement for this post.

About You

What we are looking for someone with:

• Strong project delivery skills
• Clear, confident communication skills
• A good understanding of land use issues in upland areas
• The ability to contribute effectively to project development and delivery
• Experience of close working with farming, wildlife, access and engagement teams or similar partnerships

We’re proud to be a Disability Confident employer. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria, we guarantee you an interview.

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace and welcome applicants from all backgrounds to apply and join us.

For an informal chat about the role, please contact Leigh Thornton, Land Management Projects Manager on 01756 751607 or [email protected]

The closing date for complete application forms is 11.00pm on Monday 23 February 2026.

The anticipated interview date: Wednesday 4 March 2026