Conservation Officer: Upper Caldew

We're looking for an experienced conservation professional to help deliver Phase 1 of our new project, Reconnecting and Reviving the Caldew.

We're looking for an experienced conservation professional to help deliver Phase 1 of our new project, Reconnecting and Reviving the Caldew.

• Posted on

  27/05/2026

• Closing Date

  18/06/2026

• Salary

  £28,000 -£30,000 pa plus contributory pension (pro-rata for 4 day week)

• Contract

  4 or 5 days per week, 18-month contract with opportunity to extend.

• Location

  Penrith, Cumbria

This is an exciting opportunity for a conservation professional looking for a new challenge to help deliver ambitious riparian improvement and water-friendly farming projects in the Upper Caldew catchment in north Cumbria.

During phase 1 of our new project: Reconnecting & Reviving the Caldew, supported by a grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, you’ll work directly with farmers, landowners and local communities - undertaking farm walkovers, writing farm-focused water and environment improvement plans, and developing environmental improvement projects using nature-based solutions and on-farm infrastructure.

For more information and details of how to apply, please read the Recruitment pack.

This role could be for you if you:

• Are passionate about practical conservation, with a degree in a related discipline, in-depth technical knowledge of an aspect of using nature-based solutions, and at least 3 years’ experience in developing practical conservation projects,
• Have a strong track record of working with farmers and can balance environmental and sustainable farm business needs, and
• Are excited by the opportunity to shape positive change in the Upper Caldew catchment, in north Cumbria.

This is an opportunity to help shape the future of riparian conservation in the Upper Caldew.

You will join a committed team working to create healthier rivers, thriving wildlife and to inspire and empower communities across Cumbria. We offer 33 days’ paid leave, including bank holidays, a contributory pension, life assurance, mileage expenses and the tools you need to do the job.

This role is offered as a full-time role, but we are open to it being a 4-day role (salary pro-rata) as well for the right candidate.