Project Officer - Local Nature Recovery (Cumbria)
Contract length: Fixed term for 12 months
About the role
The Project Officer will work closely with a wide range of partners to coordinate activity, build networks, and develop resources that enable the delivery of nature recovery priorities. A key part of the role is supporting the transition from strategy development to practical implementation, embedding the LNRS across organisations, partnerships, and sectors.
About the Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS)
Published in November 2025, Cumbria’s LNRS sets out strategic priorities for restoring nature across the county. Developed through a collaborative process led by Westmorland & Furness Council, the strategy identifies key areas and “potential measures” where action will have the greatest positive impact for biodiversity, the environment, and local communities.
About Cumbria Local Nature Partnership (CLNP)
Cumbria Local Nature Partnership is the prominent and unified voice for the natural environment in Cumbria. The Partnership supports strategic, efficient, and sustainable action for nature across the county and facilitates collective action to deliver high-quality, connected habitats for nature, increase biodiversity, and support climate resilience/ adaptation across Cumbria.
The area covered by the work of the CLNP encompasses the entire county of Cumbria. This includes large areas of landscape designations such as the Lake District National Park and portions of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, and the Solway, North Pennines and Arnside and Silverdale National Landscapes.
The work of Cumbria Local Nature Partnership is overseen by the Partnership Board, but we work strategically with a wide range of stakeholders who share our priorities.
Key responsibilities
- Support delivery of Cumbria’s LNRS by coordinating actions, partnerships, and projects
- Build and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders across sectors
- Facilitate collaboration between partner organisations and delivery groups
- Develop tools, resources, and networks that enable effective implementation of nature recovery actions
- Act as a key link between Westmorland & Furness Council (LNRS responsible authority) and CLNP
- Contribute to a ‘virtual team’ working across multiple organisations and locations
We are seeking an individual with a genuine passion for nature, the environment, and creating positive local impact. The ideal candidate will be a strong communicator with excellent interpersonal skills, highly organised, and capable of working both independently and collaboratively within a multi-organisation team. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to meaningful change, supporting landscape, wildlife, and communities across Cumbria. If you are enthusiastic about conservation and the natural environment, and enjoy working in partnership, we would be delighted to hear from you.
Completed application forms should be returned to [email protected] along with a cover letter outlining how your skills and experience meet the role criteria.
Postal application forms can be returned to FAO: Claire Shepherd, HR Manager, Cumbria Wildlife Trust, Plumgarths, Crook Road, Kendal, LA8 8LX
Please note CV's will not be considered
Closing date for applications is 9 am on Monday 3 August 2026
Interviews will be held on 12 August at our offices at Gosling Sike, near Carlisle.
Expected start date: September 2026
Only short listed candidates will be contacted. If you have not heard anything within 14 days of the closing date, please assume your application has not been successful.
Cumbria Wildlife Trust is devoted to the conservation of the wildlife and wild places of Cumbria.
