In this uniquely exciting role you will lead the award-winning Fix the Fells partnership project, essential to both the National Trust and Lake District National Park Authority’s core strategic purposes. Working together we have been successfully repairing and maintaining the Lake District’s upland path network for 25 years.
You’ll be joining a great team of people with a wealth of expertise and experience in this area of work, who are highly motivated and passionate about protecting the Lake District’s upland environment for nature and people.
Salary: £29,297 per year (£36,621 full-time equivalent), based on 30 hours per week.
Contract Duration: Fixed Term until September 2027
Working Pattern: You will work 30 hours per week
What it's like to work here:Your office will be amongst the Lake District Fells, with varied working days often out and about with teams and partners. You will have a high degree of autonomy to decide where you apply your time for greatest effect, working from different locations to maximise impact and visibility.
You will work across teams, with our restore nature team, specialist internal consultants and day to day with colleagues in the Lake District National Park Authority, as well as other partners, that we work in conjunction with to look after our landscapes.
You’ll be employed by the National Trust in Cumbria on behalf of the Fix the Fells partnership.
Fix the Fells is a partnership of the National Trust, Lake District National Park, Natural England, Lake District Foundation and Friends of the Lake District. For more information on Fix the Fells visit www.fixthefells.co.uk
What you'll be doing:You’ll be responsible for securing funding upwards of £500,000 per year by maintaining and growing existing sources and developing new innovative income streams. You’ll be responsible for promoting the benefits of the work for nature and people, to grow support from users of the fells to corporate bodies and everything in between.
You’ll oversee the delivery of the Fix the Fells strategic plan which is delivered in collaboration with the five partnership organisations. You will work closely with Fix the Fells Lake District National Park (LDNP) ranger and National Trust (NT) lead ranger, supported by a team of 13 NT Rangers and 130 LDNP Fix the Fells Volunteers, to deliver the aims of the strategic plan. You’ll manage the finances and report on progress to the Partnership Board and funders, supporters and other stakeholders.
You will provide excellent leadership to oversee the transition of Fix the Fells into the National Trusts Restore Nature strategic priority ensuring the benefits of Fix the Fells work are fully integrated into restore nature KPIs and strong collaboration between Fix the Fells and restore nature projects.
Who we're looking forYour exceptional leadership and partnership experience will enable us to collaboratively build on the previous 25 years work, whilst looking ahead to engage with the changing needs of society who want to enjoy the Lake District, as we tackle the nature and climate crisis.
You’ll be a:
- Highly motivated, self-managing, environmental professional with a passion for people and nature;
- With proven experience of partnership working, working with volunteers and income generation;
- With a knowledge of countryside management and an understanding of the complexity of the Lake District Landscape designated for both its natural and cultural heritage;
- Diplomatic and effective leader who achieves collaboration and cohesion amongst partners, staff, volunteers and a wide variety of stakeholders;
- With exceptional interpersonal skills with experience of managing people, including volunteers.
- Whilst this role doesn’t currently manage anyone directly, though that could change, wider leadership and advocacy is a crucial part of the day-to-day work.
If you would like to discuss the role further please contact Jez Westgarth, Assistant Director Operations Cumbria and North Lancashire [email protected] or [email protected] , the Restore Nature Project Manager and Team Leader, who this role will report in to.
The packageThe National Trust has the motto ‘For everyone, for ever’ at its heart. We’re working hard to create an inclusive culture, where everyone feels they belong. It’s important that our people reflect and represent the diversity of the communities and audiences we serve. We welcome and value difference, so when we say we’re for everyone, we want everyone to be welcome in our teams too.
- Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary
- Free entry to National Trust places for you, a guest and your children (under 18)
- Rental deposit loan scheme
- EV car lease scheme (for roles that meet the salary criteria)
- Perks at work discounts such as gym memberships, shopping discount codes, cinema discounts
- Holiday allowance up to 32 days relating to length of service, plus holiday purchase scheme, subject to meeting minimum criteria.
- Flexible working whenever possible
- Employee assistance programme
- Free parking at most Trust places
Requirements :Compliance.Eligibility to Work in the UK
Fixed Term p/t (30 hrs pw to 30/09/27)
