Landscape Observatory Officer (Evidence, Policy and Engagement)

The Role

We are looking for an Evidence, Policy & Engagement Officer to support the development and delivery of Landscape Observatory. Landscape Observatory provides a platform for advancing the latest critical thinking in conservation management by creating high-resolution AI mapping, monitoring habitats, land use, and cultural heritage features and using this evidence to manage the impacts of climate change through Adaptive Management plan practices. In this role, you will contribute to the delivery of the three main workstreams: mapping, monitoring and climate-smart management of protected landscapes. Working closely with colleagues and external partners, you will undertake research and policy reviews, develop reports, guidance and communications, coordinate stakeholder engagement activities, and help translate complex evidence into practical information that informs decision-making. You will play an important role in maintaining partnerships, supporting knowledge exchange and ensuring the Landscape Observatory’s work is accessible, relevant and impactful for a wide range of audiences.

About You

We are seeking someone who is enthusiastic, collaborative and motivated to support evidence-based decision-making for protected landscapes. You will bring experience of researching, analysing and communicating complex environmental information to a range of audiences, with the ability to translate evidence into clear, practical guidance and engaging content. You will have excellent written and verbal communication skills, strong analytical and organisational abilities, and experience of building effective relationships with partners and stakeholders. You will be confident working collaboratively across projects, supporting knowledge exchange and contributing to the development of evidence, policy and engagement activities that help shape climate-smart landscape management.

About Us

Landscape Observatory is a bold new project from the Protected Landscapes Partnership which will unite AI mapping, habitat condition monitoring and adaptive management to conserve and protect our landscapes from the impacts of climate change. We are building an Earth observation tool that prioritises both scale and precision. By combining high-resolution aerial imagery and machine learning, the project will produce detailed, standardised land cover maps for all Protected Landscapes in England, which together account for 25% of the country’s land area. These maps will provide Protected Landscapes with a powerful new evidence base to make informed, timely decisions about habitat restoration, species recovery, and climate resilience. It aims to tackle the most pressing challenges facing the UK’s protected landscapes and will serve as a collaborative hub, connecting ideas, scaling innovation, and supporting every National Park, National Landscape and National Trail.

Further Information

If you have any questions about the role, please contact Sarah Rowley. No agencies at this time, please.

The start date will be no later than the 1st September due to the funding for the project. Provisional interview dates of Tuesday 21st or Wednesday 22nd July.

Benefits

We offer a range of staff benefits, including flexi-time, a high-quality defined benefit pension scheme, 26-31 days’ holiday (plus bank holidays) with the option to purchase more, volunteering leave and free parking at most of our offices. Please check out our Total Reward Brochure to see what else we offer.

Flexible Working

This is a full-time role with flexible working options, including flexible working patterns and hybrid home/office working, etc. If you would like to discuss this, please contact Sarah Rowley or our HR team.

Our Values

• Care – We care for the Peak District National Park, the people we work with and all those we serve. It’s at the heart of everything we do.
• Enjoy – We take pride in what we do and feel good about our contribution.
• Pioneer – We were born of pioneers. We will continue to explore opportunities to inspire future generations.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

The Peak District National Park Authority is committed to equal opportunities. We aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply and join us.

We are a “Disability Confident” employer and have committed to offering an interview to a proportionate number of applicants who declare a disability, if they meet the minimum criteria for the job. Please select ‘Yes’ if you wish to be considered under this basis.

If you are unable to apply online and require a Word version of the application form, please contact us.

You must have the right to work in the UK; we are unfortunately unable to offer sponsorship visas. Evidence for the right to work in the UK will be requested before appointment.