Head of Land Management

Are you passionate about leading a team to drive meaningful environmental change? Do you want to play a pivotal role in shaping land management across one of the UK’s most iconic landscapes? If yes, this could be the perfect job for you.

Following the upcoming retirement of the current post holder, we’re offering a rare opportunity to join the senior leadership team of the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority. We’re looking for an experienced and adaptable Head of Land Management to lead on the development and implementation of conservation-focused policies and programmes that support the natural environment, local communities, and rural economy of the Yorkshire Dales.

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.

This is a permanent, full-time position (37 hours per week) based at our Grassington office, near Skipton, with regular travel throughout the National Park and the option for some regular home working.

The Benefits

• Salary: £46,730 to £52,804 per annum
• Generous leave: 26 days’ annual leave, plus bank holidays
• Flexible working arrangements: including flexi-time
• Pension scheme: Local Government Defined Benefit Pension Scheme (LGPS)
• Wellbeing benefits: Subsidised Healthcare scheme, cycle to work scheme and staff discounts
• Free parking
• Relocation allowance available

The Role

You’ll lead a multidisciplinary team and shape the Authority’s work on conservation and rural land management. This includes oversight of the Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL) programme, developing the service as a ‘first-stop shop’ for farm and environmental advice, and leading on initiatives for nature recovery, woodland creation, biodiversity enhancement and climate resilience.

You’ll work in close partnership with landowners, local communities and environmental bodies, represent the Authority at regional and national level; and lead on policy and programme development in areas such as green finance and agri-environment schemes.

This is a politically restricted post as defined by the Local Government and Housing Act 1989.

About you

You’ll bring a strong blend of strategic leadership, partnership-building, and technical expertise in rural land management. Specifically, we’re looking for someone with:

• A degree (or equivalent experience) in land management, environment, or a related field;
• Proven experience managing teams, budgets, and complex projects;
• Expertise in upland farming and conservation in rural environments;
• A successful track record of partnership-building and influencing policy;
• Strong understanding of agri-environment schemes, biodiversity policy, and nature recovery; and
• Excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills

You’ll also need to be confident with digital tools and willing to travel and work flexibly across the varied terrain of the National Park.

Join Our Team!

We’re committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage applications from all backgrounds. As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview to applicants with a disability who meet the essential criteria.

For an informal conversation about the role, contact Gary Smith, Director of Conservation and Community on 01756 751613 or [email protected]

Closing date: 11.00pm on Monday, 23 June 2025

Anticipated interview date: Monday, 14 July 2025