Vacancies and Opportunities

At the Kent Downs National Landscape, we’re looking for new voices to join our Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL) Local Assessment Panel. 

If you care about the future of farming, nature, and rural communities, this is a chance to help shape where investment goes and what gets delivered on the ground. 

The FiPL programme supports farmers, land managers and others to bring forward projects that strengthen climate resilience, restore nature, improve access, and enhance the special character of the Kent Downs. As a panel member, you’ll help decide which ideas get funded. 

About the Role 

You’ll be part of a small panel that meets regularly (usually online) to review and discuss funding applications. Together, you’ll help make fair, balanced decisions on projects that matter to the landscape and the people who live and work in it, including: 

• Reading and reviewing applications before meetings 

• Working with others to assess ideas against clear criteria 

• Helping decide which projects are funded (or where more information is needed) 

• Making sure decisions are fair, transparent, and well explained 

• Declaring any conflicts of interest and handling information responsibly 

• Sharing your insight and experience to strengthen the programme 

We’re looking for people with knowledge and experience in areas such as farming, land management, nature conservation, rural development, education and public access, or heritage. You don’t need to know everything, but you should bring: 

• A good understanding of rural landscapes and communities 

• The ability to look at proposals critically and fairly 

• A collaborative mindset and willingness to listen 

• Integrity and respect for confidential processes 

• A connection to, or understanding of, the Kent Downs landscape 

We welcome a mix of perspectives, backgrounds, and experience. 

Commitment 

• Meetings take place online or in person approximately every 4 to 8 weeks (depending on the number of applications) 

• You’ll need time to read papers beforehand 

• Membership is reviewed periodically and may evolve over time 

Reasonable expenses can be covered in line with programme guidance. 

Benefits 

• £150 per meeting (including preparation time) 

• A direct role in shaping investment in farming and nature recovery 

• The chance to work alongside experts and local practitioners 

• Experience in grant assessment and programme decision-making 

• The satisfaction of supporting real projects on the ground 

Application process 

We’re not running a formal competitive recruitment process. Instead, we’re inviting expressions of interest.

If this feels like something you’d like to be part of, please email: mail@kentdowns.org.uk with a short note about your experience and interest and a brief CV.

What happens next: We’ll be in touch with everyone who expresses an interest and aim to let you know within two weeks whether you’ll be invited to the next stage. 

Apply now

for the aspiring Cross-Channel UNESCO Global Geopark

The Cross-Channel Geopark is a collaboration between the Kent Downs National Landscape and the Parc Naturel Regional des Caps et Marais d’Opale in celebration of our shared geodiversity. The ambition is to gain UNESCO status as the world’s first cross-border Geopark united by sea with an application to UNESCO in 2025.

As a truly cross-border, united area, the Cross-Channel Geopark hosts a side variety of events, education activities, training opportunities and community engagement on both sides of the channel.

Our two languages can be a barrier for some to participate, and the Cross-Channel Geopark is seeking passionate and skilled French-English Language Volunteer Interpreters to join our team. This role is ideal for bilingual individuals who are enthusiastic about geology, nature, and cultural heritage, and who wish to use their language skills to enhance the educational and outreach efforts of the geopark. Volunteer Interpreters will play a vital role in providing informative and engaging interpretations for both French and English-speaking visitors.

Key Responsibilities:

• Bilingual educational tours and talks: Accompany guided tours and educational talks for French and English-speaking audiences, including school groups, families, and international visitors. Share knowledge about the geology, biodiversity, and cultural history of the geopark in both languages.
• Visitor engagement: Interact with visitors at information centres and designated sites within the geopark, providing assistance and insights in both French and English to enrich their visit.
• Interpretive programs: Assist in the development and delivery of bilingual interpretive programs, such as workshops, hands-on activities, and interactive displays.
• Event support: Participate in special events and festivals organised by the geopark, engaging with the public in both French and English.
• Resource management: Assist in the creation and maintenance of bilingual interpretive materials, including brochures, maps, and educational resources.

Skills and attributes:

• Bilingual proficiency: Fluent in both French and English, with excellent verbal communication skills in both languages.
• Passion for nature and heritage: A strong interest in geology, ecology, history, or related fields. Enthusiasm for sharing knowledge with others.
• Interpersonal skills: Friendly and approachable, with the ability to connect with a diverse range of visitors.
• Team player: Willingness to work collaboratively with staff, other volunteers, and community partners.
• Flexibility: Ability to adapt to different situations and work environments, including outdoor settings and varying weather conditions.

Benefits:

• Personal development: Gain valuable experience in public speaking, bilingual education, and customer service.
• Training: Receive training on the geology, ecology, and cultural history of the geopark.
• Networking: Connect with like-minded individuals, experts, and professionals in the fields of geology, conservation, and heritage.
• Community contribution: Make a meaningful impact by helping to educate the public and promote the conservation of the geopark’s natural and cultural resources.

Commitment:

• Time requirement: Demand is likely to be ad hoc and flexible scheduling is available to accommodate different availabilities. There is no minimum time commitment. For language students wishing to gain translation/interpreting experience, internships or work experience placements are available.
• Ability to travel between UK and France: a valid passport will be required.
• Training sessions: Attendance at initial training sessions and periodic workshops is required to stay informed about the latest developments and best practices.
• Location: Our events and activities take place at a variety of locations across the Kent Downs National Landscape and Parc Naturel Regional des Caps et Marais d’Opale. Travel expenses, including via Eurotunnel, will be paid by the Cross Channel Geopark.

Application Process:

Interested individuals are encouraged to apply by submitting a CV along with a brief statement of interest and any relevant experience to Isabel.Shaw@kentdowns.org.uk.

Apply now

Are you curious about local history, old maps and the stories hidden in the landscape? 

We’re looking for volunteers to join our Hidden Hollows Project, helping us discover and record historic pits and quarries across the Kent Downs. Many of these places are hidden beneath woodland, farmland and scrub, but they can tell us fascinating stories about the geology, wildlife, industry and communities of the area. 

Using historic maps and the Kent LiDAR Portal, you’ll help identify forgotten pits and quarries and record what we know about them. You’ll learn how to recognise geological, archaeological, heritage and biodiversity features, helping us build a better picture of these hidden places. 

No previous experience is required! We’ll provide all the training you need. All you need is access to a computer (or a library), an internet connection and an interest in discovering more about the Kent Downs. 

This is a desk-based volunteer role, with opportunities to get involved in other project activities as it develops. There’s no minimum number of hours required, so you can contribute as much or as little as your schedule allows. 

Email geopark@kentdowns.org.uk to register your interest. 

Apply now