Nature Recovery Officer; Development Programme

Team:
Southeast and East Region

Sub Team:
Sustainable Development, Protected Sites, Farm Advice

Location:

Southeast and East of England;
Offices in Ashford, Cambridge, Eastleigh, London, Norwich, Peterborough, Reading, Worthing

Join us in shaping a future where nature and people thrive. Whether you're drawn to hands-on conservation or playing a vital part behind the scenes, your work at Natural England will support lasting benefits for the environment and society.

Natural England is the Government’s adviser for the natural environment and the Nature regulator with a wide range of statutory duties and powers. We provide the evidence, expertise and advice to recover Nature and shape better places for people to live. We do this working through and with others.

Our strategy is framed through four strategic outcomes. Each of these outcomes reinforces and amplifies the others, and together they address environmental, social and economic actions critical to thriving nature.

• Recovering Nature– Increased scale and quality of places where nature thrives.
• Building Better Places– Greener homes and infrastructure create healthier, more investable places, recognising we live better where nature thrives around us.
• Improving Health and Wellbeing– Build nature into everyday life so people can support, access and benefit from nature, wherever they live.
• Delivering Security through Nature– Nature helps us adapt to the threats of a changing climate and improves our national security, supporting more resilient food production, healthy soils, clean and plentiful water and clean air.

Find out more about the work of Natural England at:

Natural England’s Strategy:
Recovering Nature for Growth, Health and Security -

Natural England is investing in the next generation of nature recovery professionals. The Nature Recovery Officer development programme offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience at the forefront of some of the most important environmental challenges facing England today. Working on real projects alongside experienced specialists, you'll contribute to nature recovery, sustainable development, protected sites, farm advisory work and place‑based delivery, helping create a future where nature and people thrive together.

From day one, you'll be embedded in live delivery, rotating across key work areas and developing the technical, analytical and partnership‑working skills needed to drive nature recovery 'll gain exposure to a broad range of work, build a strong professional network, and receive structured learning and development designed to accelerate your growth.

We are looking for ambitious, curious and motivated individuals who are ready to learn in a fast‑paced and evolving environment. For those who demonstrate strong performance, adaptability and a commitment to development, the programme has been designed to create a pathway towards higher‑level roles within Natural England. While a permanent role is not guaranteed, participants who successfully develop the skills, behaviours and expertise required will be well placed to compete for future opportunities and build a rewarding career helping to shape England's natural environment.

We welcome applications from recent graduates as well as people looking to bring transferable skills from other sectors. Previous experience of working in the environmental sector is desirable but not essential. What matters most is your enthusiasm for nature recovery, your ability to learn quickly, your willingness to work collaboratively and your commitment to developing the skills needed to make a difference.

We recognise that relevant experience can be gained in many different ways, including through employment,…