30by30 Assessment Officer

Salary: £32,046 to £37,563, per annum
Contract: Full time (37 hours per week) and fixed term until 31 March 2029
Location: Grassington, near Skipton, with opportunities for blended working

We're looking for a 30by30 Assessment Officer to take on a unique national role supporting all of England's National Parks. You'll lead the development of a consistent approach to assessing, recording and monitoring land that contributes towards the UK's commitment to protect 30% of land and sea for nature by 2030. Working with protected landscapes locally and across the country, you'll help shape how progress is measured and reported nationally.

About Us

We are the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, an organisation that protects, enhances and promotes the immense beauty, wildlife and character of the Yorkshire Dales. Set against expansive heather moorland tops, each valley has its own distinct charm, from crags and waterfalls to an underground labyrinth of caves.

As the host Authority for this nationally significant role, you'll work with colleagues across England's National Parks, helping to drive one of the country's most ambitious nature recovery commitments while being based in the spectacular Yorkshire Dales National Park. You'll join a supportive and knowledgeable team that is passionate about making a positive difference for the National Park and the communities who live and work here.

The Benefits

We believe in supporting our people and offer a range of benefits to help you achieve a healthy work-life balance, develop your career and enjoy the advantages of working in one of the UK's most inspiring landscapes.

• Generous leave: starting at 26 days’ annual leave, plus bank holidays, increasing to 31 days after five years of Local Government service
• Pension: Local Government Defined Benefit Pension Scheme (LGPS)
• Flexible working: including flexitime, flexi-leave and blended working options
• Wellbeing benefits: Subsidised Healthcare scheme, family friendly policies, cycle to work scheme, staff discounts and an employee assistance programme
• Learning and development: Ongoing support for continuing professional development and training
• Free parking at Authority car parks

The Role

This is a varied role, and you will provide technical leadership and guidance to colleagues to establish consistent assessment, recording, monitoring and reporting processes, against established national criteria.

You will:

• Develop and implement processes for identifying, assessing, monitoring and reporting land that contributes towards 30by30 targets.
• Work with colleagues, land managers and partner organisations to identify opportunities to increase qualifying land.
• Provide expert advice and guidance to protected landscapes across England on assessment criteria and evidence requirements.
• Lead national collaboration between England's National Parks, helping to develop shared approaches, guidance and best practice.
• Act as the lead technical contact for National Parks England, working with Defra, Natural England and other national partners.
• Monitor progress and provide reports on delivery against 30by30 objectives

About You

You'll be comfortable working with a wide range of colleagues, partners, landowners and organisations, building positive relationships and providing clear technical advice to support delivery of 30by30 objectives.

You’ll understand biodiversity conservation principles and habitat management and will also have :

• Experience of assessing environmental, conservation, or land management projects.
• Knowledge of environmental legislation, policy, and protected site designations.
• Experience of analysing and interpreting ecological or environmental data.
• Experience using GIS software and spatial datasets.
• Experience of habitat condition assessment or biodiversity monitoring.
• Ability to prepare clear technical reports and recommendations.
• A degree-level qualification in Ecology, Environmental Science, Geography, Conservation, Land Management or a related discipline, or equivalent relevant experience.

Most importantly, you'll be passionate about nature recovery and enthusiastic about working collaboratively with colleagues and partners to support one of the UK's most ambitious environmental commitments.

Join Our Team!

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 applications from people of all backgrounds.

For an informal chat about this vacancy, please contact Jane le Cocq, Senior Farm Conservation Officer, on 01756 751608 or [email protected]

Closing date: 11pm on Monday, 26 October 2026

Interviews are expected to take place Friday, 6 November 2026.