South Downs National Park Authority
Strategy Lead - Nature Recovery
Location: South Downs Centre, Midhurst (Hybrid Working)
Closing Date: 14 December 2025
Interview Date: 6 January 2026
Salary: £48,241 to £51,387
Hours: 37 hours per week
Type of post: Permanent
The South Downs National Park Authority (SDNPA) cares for the landscapes, wildlife and heritage of the National Park and helps people to learn about and enjoy the area.
We are recruiting a Strategy Lead to be responsible for the delivery of nature recovery and water elements for the next South Downs National Park Partnership Management Plan 2026-2031.
This is an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic individual with proven technical and inter-personal skills to be part of supporting the nature recovery programme and providing high-quality technical advice relating to biodiversity and water to a variety of internal and external stakeholders. This ranges from strategic work, such as supporting Local Nature Recovery Strategies, through to direct action to deliver 30x30. You will also manage the Biodiversity Officer and project roles as opportunities present.
You will need to have knowledge and experience of the legislative framework for biodiversity and the water environment, and a proven track record in project delivery and advisory work. We also pride ourselves in taking an evidence-based approach, so the ability to work with and commission a variety of spatial, biodiversity and environmental data is important, as well as improving our ability to monitor impact.
To apply: Please apply via the button shown to upload your CV and complete our application, referring to the person specification.
SDNPA is an inclusive organisation and we welcome applications from everyone irrespective of sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnicity, faith and religion, disability and age.
We operate a Guaranteed Interview Scheme (GIS) for disabled applicants.
In all circumstances, the SDNPA appoints on merit, based on evidence the applicant supplies in meeting the essential criteria for the post.
SDNPA Enhanced Benefits
- Flexible working
- Local government pension scheme
- Electric Vehicle Salary Sacrifice Scheme
- Heat Scheme (capped interest-free green home improvement loan, available on a first-come, first-served basis)
- Healthcare - includes cash plan, counselling and wellbeing discounts
- Access to Health and Wellbeing portal and webinars
- 27 days’ annual leave, increasing to 30 days, plus bank holidays
- Professional development support
- Cycle to work scheme
- Car sharing
- Use of pool cars
Closing Date: 14/12/2025 Location: Midhurst