Wet Farming Engagement Officer (Peatland Progress)

Overview

We are at an exciting time of expansion at the Great Fen and are looking to grow our team too.  As part of the National Lottery Heritage Funded Peatland Progress Project, the Wet Farming Engagement Officer (Peatland Progress) will be instrumental in leading and delivering engagement activities with land managers, farmers, growers, scientists, policy makers and the public, explaining and engaging them in wet farming (Paludiculture) as a concept and an applied practice.

Job Description

We have a fantastic opportunity to join a small and dedicated team who are delivering the transformation of a landscape at the Great Fen.  The oldest, and one of the largest of the Wildlife Trusts living landscapes, is entering a new and exciting phase. Thanks to the National Lottery Heritage Funds’ new grant award we are restoring farmed arable land to wetland, securing the missing link between two Fenland National Nature Reserves (Holme and Woodwalton Fens).  We are also demonstrating new wet farming practices which we hope will inspire change across farmed peat soils nationally.

The successful candidate will have a pivotal role in delivering a range of engagement activities explaining wet farming (Paludiculture) as a concept and an applied practice through both accommodating and hosting onsite visits where applicable, and offsite outreach, using a trailer mounted ‘Mobile Inspiration Hub’ or ‘Tiny House’. Built partially of materials derived from paludiculture crops, this novel Tiny House, will be a primary outreach tool. There may also be a requirement to assist in the supervision of short term Youth Internships in years 3 and 4 of the Peatland Progress project.

We are looking for a motivated and friendly individual who can bring their existing skillset to the team and leap straight into a complicated and exciting programme of activity.  They will be an organised self-starter who will relish the challenge.  Experience of engaging land managers and a can-do attitude is a must.

The role could be combined with the Wet Farming Delivery Officer role to create a full time post, if all criteria can be met. If you wish to apply for both roles please clearly state this on the first page of the application form.

Only completed application forms will be accepted. We will not accept CVs or Cover letters.

Type of Contract: Fixed Term (Four years)

Hours:  18.75 hours per week. Part Time.

Interview Date: 4^TH & 5^th December 2024

Salary: £26,500 per annum pro rata

Closing Date: Monday 18^th November 2024

Closing Time: 9am

Contact Details:

Enquiries about the role: lorna.parker@wildlifebcn.org

Applications to: recruitment@wildlifebcn.org

Location:

The Great Fen, Corney’s Farm, Long Drove, Holme. Peterborough, PE7 3PN

Download a copy of the Job Description (PDF download).

Equality Diversity and Inclusion Statement

“We’re wild about inclusion! We want our people/staff to be as diverse as wildlife.  As an inclusive employer we recognise that our workforce needs to better reflect the communities in which we live and work.  We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, identities and cultures.  We believe that a diverse workforce will help us create our vision of ‘people close to nature, with land and seas rich in wildlife.”