About Us

Dartmoor National Park Authority works in partnership with local and national stakeholders to conserve and enhance Dartmoor as a vibrant, living, working landscape and community teeming with natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage.

We promote opportunities for the public to understand and enjoy the special qualities of Dartmoor National Park, whilst also promoting the economic and social wellbeing of local communities.

The South West Peatland Partnership is working to restore damaged peatland on Bodmin Moor, Dartmoor and Exmoor.

We are now looking for a Dartmoor Headwaters Assistant to join our team of experts in delivering the next phase of restoration across these vital habitats. The post holder will work as part of the Dartmoor National Park Authority (DNPA) Headwaters team and part of a wider Southwest Water delivery team that works across the three southwest moors.

The Role

As a Dartmoor Headwaters Assistant, you will play a key role in delivering the Dartmoor peatland restoration project.

This project aims to restore natural processes within the headwaters of priority catchments in line with the South West Peatland Partnerships (SWPP) aims and Dartmoor’s Partnership Plan commitments. Assisting with detailed surveys and assessment of restoration sites, you will contribute to restoration plans, assist with the production of maps and participate in decisions on restoration techniques.

Ensuring relevant permissions and consents are in place before commencing work, you will also assist with the recruitment of contractors and supervise their work on the high moor. You will support the delivery of flood management interventions and monitor and survey peat depths, ecology, hydrology and the landscape.

In this unique role, you will gain a broad array of skills, as well as make an impact out and about in our breathtakingly expansive peatland.

Please note, this role may involve physical activity over rough, countryside terrain.

The Benefits

Salary of £29,540 - £33,699 per annum (pay award pending)
Generous annual leave and flexitime policies
Cycle to work scheme
Access to electric vehicle pool car fleet
Local Government Pension Scheme
Beautiful office location on National Trust estate, with free parking and café on site
Discounts at National Park Visitor Centres
Free parking in our car parks on Dartmoor

About You

Experience of practical conservation work or countryside management would be beneficial to your application. Project planning experience would also be an advantage, as would knowledge of farming, particularly upland farming.

Although a background in peatland restoration is preferable, a critical part of the role involves good communications, the ability to liaise confidently with contractors and farmers and strong project management. A love of the outdoors is essential as significant periods of the year will be spent on the high moors in sometimes challenging conditions.

When applying for this post, please highlight your suitability by referring to the essential and desirable requirements set out in the Person Specification. This information will be used in deciding who to shortlist.

The post is based at the Authority’s head office at Parke, Bovey Tracey, and Princetown, but will involve travel to other sites within the National Park. The Authority operates flexible working hours and is a member of the Local Government Pension Scheme.

Closing date: Thursday 11th June 2026

Interview date: Thursday 25 June 2026

Dartmoor National Park Authority is a disability confident and an equal opportunities employer, values diversity and is strongly committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and all applicants for employment.

So, if you’re seeking your next challenge as a Dartmoor Headwaters Assistant (Peatland Restoration), please apply via the button shown.