Upper Duddon Landscape Recovery Project Assistant

Unleash Your Potential: Shape the Future of the Lake District with the Upper Duddon Landscape Recovery Project

Are you a driven individual with a deep-seated passion for environmental stewardship? Do you aspire to play a pivotal role in a groundbreaking, landscape-scale nature restoration initiative? If so, the Upper Duddon Landscape Recovery project presents an exceptional opportunity to align your career with your conservation values.

This ambitious project, nestled within the breathtaking Duddon Valley in the Lake District National Park, is a collaborative effort funded by Defra’s Landscape Recovery scheme. It unites farmers, the local community, and leading environmental organizations, including the National Trust, Forestry England, South Cumbria Rivers Trust, the University of Cumbria, and Natural England. Together, these partners are committed to revitalizing habitats and fostering biodiversity across a significant upland landscape, encompassing both farmland and forest.

As a vital member of this project, you will contribute directly to the development and execution of practical ecological restoration programs. This role offers a unique chance to collaborate with a diverse team of staff, contractors, and volunteers. You will be instrumental in:

• Designing and implementing a comprehensive suite of ecological restoration activities.
• Managing and commissioning specialist contractors to ensure the highest standards of restoration work.
• Contributing to the vibrant success of a volunteer program, fostering community engagement and support.
• Assisting with critical project monitoring, providing essential data for evaluation and future planning.
• Communicating project achievements and insights to a broad spectrum of stakeholders.

Advantages for Your Career Path:

This position is more than just a job; it’s a stepping stone for ambitious conservationists. You will gain invaluable experience in:

• Large-Scale Ecological Restoration: Work on a project of significant national importance, impacting a vast and beautiful landscape.
• Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration: Develop essential skills in partnership building and working effectively with diverse groups, from landowners to academic institutions.
• Practical Conservation Skills: Hone your abilities in planning, executing, and managing hands-on restoration initiatives.
• Remote and Challenging Environments: Build resilience and adaptability by working in unique and sometimes demanding natural settings.
• Volunteer Management: Cultivate leadership and communication skills by guiding and inspiring volunteer teams.
• Project Delivery and Communication: Enhance your project management capabilities and learn to articulate complex conservation outcomes to various audiences.

Key Considerations for Potential Candidates:

To thrive in this role, candidates should possess:

• Demonstrated experience in practical conservation and ecological restoration projects.
• Proven ability to work effectively with volunteers, particularly in remote and challenging conditions.
• A strong understanding of ecological principles and restoration techniques.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• The ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• A genuine commitment to nature conservation and landscape recovery.

The University offers a compelling benefits package, underscoring its commitment to employee well-being and development. This includes:

• Generous Holiday Allowance: 26 days of annual leave plus approximately 16 additional days (including Christmas closure), totaling around 42 days per year.
• Competitive Pension Scheme: Including life assurance for added security.
• Health and Wellbeing: Discounted access to "The Edge," a state-of-the-art campus gym with extensive facilities, promoting a healthy lifestyle.
• Professional Development: Opportunities to access training and courses offered by the Organizational Development & Professional Learning team.
• Additional Benefits: Including on-site childcare, shopping discounts, and travel schemes.

The location in the Duddon Valley, Cumbria, offers an unparalleled opportunity to live and work within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. While this offers immense natural rewards, candidates should consider the implications of working in a remote rural setting.

This role represents a significant opportunity to contribute meaningfully to a vital environmental cause and advance your career in conservation. If you are ready to embrace this challenge and make a tangible difference, we encourage you to explore this exciting prospect further.