Project Officer (Farm Officer)

We are looking for a project officer to work with farmers and land managers in Cornwall's nationally protected landscape.

This role is to support delivery of the Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL) programme, which is aligned to the aims of the Cornwall National Landscape AONB Management Plan.

The role will entail supporting farmers and reporting on delivery, if further funding is provided this could also include working up of farmer-led capital and revenue work proposals with a focus on nature, climate, people and place.

To work with farmers and land managers in Cornwall National Landscape to deliver the Farming in Protected Landscapes (Defra funded) programme which is aligned to the aims of the Cornwall National Landscape Management Plan.

The role will be primarily supporting land managers through the agricultural transition over the next year, including supporting farmers to apply for and deliver funding for capital and revenue work proposals on farms, with a focus on nature, climate, people and place.

The Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL) programme is part of the government's Agricultural Transition Plan. It is a national DEFRA funded programme for protected landscapes (National Landscapes and National Parks). The programme is in the final year of delivery with an extension for staff to complete monitoring and evaluation of projects until September 2025. DEFRA have made additional funding available for FiPL projects throughout 2024 and we are hopeful these opportunities will continue in the coming months.

The postholder will be required to monitor capital work projects on farms with a responsibility to ensure compliance with DEFRA conditions through administering grant agreements and undertaking quality assurance alongside the existing Farm Engagement Officer. With a comprehensive monitoring strategy in place the post holder will be required to evaluate the live projects to ensure the money is having an impact. As well as technical understanding, lateral thinking and flexibility will be required to solve any problems or challenges that arise, as well as to react to opportunities that could increase effectiveness of the project.