Natural England Officer (Agri-Environment Agreements)

The purpose of this role is to support existing Natural England staff to develop, negotiate and secure high-quality agri-environment agreements to deliver environmental improvements while supporting sustainable farming businesses. The role uses technical expertise, stakeholder engagement and evidence-based decision-making to support nature recovery and achieve outcomes for biodiversity, water quality and climate resilience. Dimensions This Officer role sits within the Area Team and focuses on the development and delivery of agri-environment agreements across a defined geographical area. The role supports the link between Natural England and farmers, landowners and other stakeholders involved in land management. It is responsible for helping to progress a portfolio of complex agri-environment cases covering a range of habitats, species and protected sites. The Officer reports to a Senior Manager for line management, with functional oversight from Higher Officers and Senior Advisers within the relevant agri-environment work area. The role contributes directly to Natural England's environmental delivery targets through the development, negotiation and implementation of agri-environment agreements and associated protected site outcomes. The role supports colleagues and contributes to knowledge sharing across the Area Team. Principal Accountabilities

• Help to sift through existing agri-environment agreements to allow characterisation and prioritisation for renewal.
• Support Higher Officers to work with applicants, agents and stakeholders to develop practical and deliverable management options that meet environmental objectives and farming business needs.
• Support the delivery of Natural England's environmental land management objectives, including habitat restoration, species conservation, flood resilience and water quality improvement.
• Apply relevant legislation, policy, scheme guidance and governance requirements to ensure agreements are developed consistently and in line with national standards.
• Maintain accurate records and case documentation, ensuring milestones and programme deadlines are met.
  
  Knowledge of agri-environment schemes and environmental land management approaches.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience of managing competing priorities within defined timescales.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a wider team.
• Competence in the use of mapping systems, databases and Microsoft Office applications.
• A relevant environmental, agricultural or land management qualification, or significant equivalent professional experience.