Applications for this job are now closed
The Trainee Farm Liaison Officer will support the delivery of MWT's Grassland Communities Project. Working closely with Trust staff and volunteers, the Trainee Farm Liaison Officer will develop the skills to engage with farmers to improve condition and resilience of neutral grassland within the project area. They will also work with the local community to raise awareness of the climate and biodiversity crisis and encourage appropriate action.
Project delivery
The Trainee Farm Liaison Officer will:
- Support engagement with the farming community to raise awareness of the potential contribution that healthy grassland ecosystems can make to climate mitigation and adaptation, and prevent the loss of grasslands to inappropriate development, including afforestation.
- Develop skills to support the farming community in the transition to nature friendly, sustainable farming.
- Support and inspire landowners to create more areas for wildlife and to connect to what’s already there, through the lens of grassland habitats and the species which rely on or are supported by them.
- Work with the Farm Liaison and Conservation Officers to arrange and support the provision of training and surveys for landowners.
- Support the MWT Conservation Officer to the improvement of community and personal well-being through engaging with nature.
- Support the Farm Liaison Officer with contactors to assist farmers to carry out works to improve land for nature where necessary.
- Assist with producing quality social media content, showcasing the work of the project.
- Assist with the production of project reports and claims to ensure they are made promptly and accurately.
- Develop skills to assist with the project budget and ensure that any funder requirements are met.
Process
The Trainee Farm Liaison Officer will:
- Undertake an annual appraisal of their delivery against their Job description and annual Work Programme in April of each year.
- Agree an update of the Job Description, if necessary, after the annual appraisal.
- Agree a new annual Work Programme with their line manager after the appraisal (to be completed in April of each year).
Biodiversity monitoring
- Work with the Farm Liaison Officer and Technical Conservation Officer and a team of experts to ensure that land within the project is appropriately surveyed and monitored.
- Using MWTs Strategy, identify the key species/habitats of importance to this project.
- Develop skills in identification and biological recording.
Communications
- Work with other staff where appropriate.
- Represent MWT at events.
- Assist with walks and talks to promote the work of the Project.
Additional information
- Normal working hours are between 9am and 5pm with 1 hour lunch break. The nature of the post requires some evening and weekend commitments. These are regarded as an integral part of the post holder’s responsibilities for which time off in lieu will be available.
- A willingness to work out of doors, sometimes in inclement weather, is essential.
- Travel will often be required across the district, and occasionally across the UK, for which a full driving licence is required.
- There are no undue physical requirements integral to the post.
- The job requires the use of computers for data handling and word processing.
The Trainee Farm Liaison Officer has an important position within the Trust. The ability to work within the small staff team is essential, as is the ability to manage and enthuse volunteer support. It is fundamental to the success of the post that the post holder plays a part in all Trust activities. A mature and diplomatic approach is essential.
The Trainee Farm Liaison Officer will be based at our Welshpool office but will work across the project area. This post would suit an individual from a farming background who has an interest in nature friendly farming. This is a two-year Fixed Term contract to 30th June 2026.
Closing Date: Monday 3 rd June 2024
Interviews Held: w/c 10 th June 2024
