Landscape Recovery Adviser

Norfolk County Council

Landscape Recovery Adviser

Reference: 3049

Contract: Fixed Term Contract for 3 years

Basis: 37 hours per week

Salary: £35,411 to £37,261 per annum (Grade J)

Location: Norwich

This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to shape the future of land management and conservation in the Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). We are looking for a motivated environmental management professional with a genuine passion for the nature, communities, and rural economies of the North Norfolk coast.

North Norfolk: Wilder, Wetter, Better for Nature is one of 22 first round pilot projects selected to develop innovative approaches to Landscape Recovery as part of the new Environmental Land Management Schemes (ELMS). This is an extraordinary opportunity to shape national policy on the future of farming, whilst delivering meaningful progress towards species recovery and river restoration. You will play a central role in making lasting space for nature in an agricultural landscape, directly contributing to the creation of new high-quality habitat within the AONB.

We are seeking someone with enthusiasm for working with stakeholders to drive forwards new approaches to nature recovery across the pilot region. Farmers and land managers are at the heart of this project - you will work closely with them to develop land use change for species recovery and river restoration, whilst exploring new opportunities for blended finance models. You will coordinate outcomes across project partners the Norfolk Coast Partnership, Norfolk Rivers Trust, Natural England, and the Holkham Estate. You will maintain strong working relationships with academic collaborators and with statutory bodies such as the Environment Agency and District Council.

As Landscape Recovery Project Manager, you will be responsible for overseeing the successful delivery of the project development phase. You will lead on strategic management of project activities, track project progress towards delivery and financial targets and report this to Defra each quarter. You will coordinate development of briefs to procure expertise in feasibility and monitoring, blended finance, and legal permissions, consents, and agreements, and will supervise appointed contractors.

This high-profile post will report to the Protected Landscapes Manager and will be based within a busy team responsible for the Norfolk Coast AONB, The Wash and North Norfolk Coast Marine Protected Area Network and National/Norfolk Trails. The postholder will be supported by project staff and experts within the wider Norfolk County Council Environment Service and at the Norfolk Rivers Trust. The role will carry budget management responsibility and you will need to be confident in making decisions, steering project development, and delivering high quality collaborative outcomes.

We are looking for someone with a good mix of project delivery expertise, ecological and/or land management knowledge, partnership working experience and proven leadership skills to join our growing team. This position requires a full driving license and willingness to travel across North Norfolk.

Norfolk County Council offers flexible working and the opportunity to work from home and/or our offices in Norwich and Holt. We are open to part-time or condensed hours This is a three-year fixed-term position with potential to extend pending future funding opportunities.

For an informal conversation about this role, please contact Dr Katy Owen (katy.owen@norfolk.gov.uk)

We want our people to be inspired and motivated to work well together, make the most of our workspaces, enjoy a healthy work-life balance, and deliver excellent services to Norfolk and its people. Flexibility is built into the way we work, with hybrid working a key feature for many roles. Our technology platform and equipment are first class, enabling you to connect and collaborate remotely. We ask that you have in place good Broadband connectivity.

Already a Norfolk County Council employee? See and apply for all internal and external vacancies via myOracle using your @norfolk.gov.uk or @nccal.ac.uk email address.

Before you apply please see the full job description and person specification in the below link – this will help you to shape your application to demonstrate how you meet the criteria for the role.

Job description and person specification

You can also find out about the rewards and benefits we offer as well as our other terms and conditions.

These are some benefits you can enjoy by working for Norfolk County Council:

• Competitive salary
• Generous holiday entitlement with the ability to buy and sell leave
• Health and Wellbeing services including fast-track physiotherapy and a free counselling service
• Flexible working opportunities including flexi-time, part time, remote and hybrid working – dependent on your job role and business need.
• Financial benefits such as:
• ‘Norfolk Rewards’ our employee discounts programme which helps you save money on almost anything, from everyday groceries and clothes, to holidays, new technology, gym membership, trips to the cinema and days out.  
• A Blue Light card for Fire Service and Social Care Workers
• Relocation expenses paid upfront (where applicable)
• An advance of your expenses if you travel for work
• Local Government Pension Scheme with generous employer contribution, life assurance, death in service payments and dependants’ pensions .
• A payment if you refer someone you know to a hard to fill job.
• Tax efficient ways of getting extra pension, new bikes and electric cars.

Closing date: 14 July 2023.

Apply Here