Norfolk County Council

Landscape Recovery Adviser

Ref: 2283

Fixed Term Contract | 37 hours per week | £35,411 to £37,261 per annum (Grade J) | 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 project management professional with background in environmental management and a passion for the environment, communities, and rural economies of the North Norfolk coast.

North Norfolk: Wilder, Wetter, Better for Nature is one of 22 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 high-quality habitat within the AONB, which is ‘bigger, better, more joined up’.

We are seeking an experienced leader with genuine enthusiasm for working with stakeholders to drive bottom-up change across the North Norfolk landscape. Farmers and land managers are at the heart of this project - you will work closely with them to develop land use change for nature recovery, whilst exploring new opportunities for blended finance models. You will lead coordination 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 at the University of East Anglia and University College London; and with statutory bodies such as the Environment Agency and District Council.

As a Landscape Recovery Advisor, 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 landscape modelling, 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 expertise with 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 Norfolk.

Norfolk County Council offers flexible working and the opportunity to work from home and locations across the region. This is a fixed-term position until 31 December 2024 with potential to extend pending future funding opportunities.

To apply, click here  

For an informal conversation about this role, please contact 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.

Closing date: 3 April 2023

Closing Date: 03/04/2023  Location: Norwich