Natural Solutions Officer; Maternity cover

Natural Solutions Officer (Maternity cover)

Closing date:
Wednesday 29 July 2026

Salary: £17,172pa (£28,620 FTE) plus 7% pension
Contract type:
Fixed term

Working hours:

Part time

Location:

Cook worthy Forest Centre, Halwill, Beaworthy, Devon, EX21 5UX

We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated Natural Solutions Officer to join our Northern Devon Natural Solutions team on a temporary maternity cover contract. Working across the North Devon Biosphere Reserve, you will play a key role in delivering nature-based solutions that improve water quality, increase biodiversity, reduce flood risk and support climate resilience. The role will involve building strong relationships with volunteers, community groups, farmers, landowners and partner organisations.

This will help deliver practical volunteer events, habitat restoration projects and encourage land management practices to the benefit of both people and wildlife.

Responsibilities:

• Coordinate and deliver landowner engagement activities, including Facilitation Fund groups, workshops and networking events.
• Support the running of the Meeth Community Tree Nursery, working alongside volunteers on seed collection, processing and nursery activities.
• Help capture and communicate achievements through case studies, newsletters, mapping and other communications materials as the project approaches its conclusion in 2027.

We are seeking someone with experience in conservation, community engagement, volunteer management, agriculture, land management or environmental projects, together with excellent communication and relationship building skills. The successful candidate will be confident working with a wide range of stakeholders, including farmers, volunteers, community groups, contractors and partner organisations. A good understanding of farming systems and rural communities, strong organisational skills and the ability to work independently as part of a collaborative team are essential.

Qualifications:

• Background in conservation, community engagement, volunteer management, agriculture, land management or environmental projects.
• Excellent communication and relationship building skills.
• Strong organisational skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.

This is a part‑time (22.5 hours per week) temporary post based at Cook worthy, near Halwill Junction.

Interviews are being held on Monday 10 August at Cook worthy.

We welcome candidates of all backgrounds and abilities who meet the essential criteria for this role. We are committed to developing an inclusive and diverse organisation, in which everyone feels supported, valued, and able to be their full selves.

DWT is committed to the principle of equal opportunity in employment.