N

Assistant Climate & Environment Adviser

National Trust • United Kingdom • Added on Aug 31, 2026
Apply →

This role involves supporting properties and estates across the South West to achieve tangible environmental improvements. You will be the technical hands-on resource responsible for establishing carbon baselines, monitoring land-use changes, and providing the data analysis needed to reduce emissions. By working directly with farming and property teams, you ensure that high-level sustainability goals are translated into practical site-specific actions.

Joining Europe’s largest conservation charity offers a unique chance to influence the management of historic landscapes and nature reserves. Your work directly contributes to the National Trust’s ambitious goal of reaching net zero, focusing on nature-friendly land management and climate resilience. This is a rare opportunity to apply environmental science directly to the preservation of the UK’s heritage and biodiversity for future generations.

This suits someone who is a data-literate environmentalist with a background in agriculture or land management, ready to translate complex climate data into actionable advice for diverse rural stakeholders.

Job FAQs

What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

The core of this role involves providing technical and analytical support to help properties, farms, and estates reduce their environmental impact. You will be responsible for establishing carbon baselines using specialized tools like the Farm Carbon Hub and interpreting this data to identify practical emission reduction opportunities. Additionally, you will support the implementation of the National Trust’s Climate and Environment Management System (ISO14001). This involves monitoring compliance with environmental legislation, gathering performance data, and assisting in the delivery of training to staff and volunteers to embed sustainable practices.

Key learning opportunities for this job

You will gain deep expertise in land-based carbon accounting and the practical application of climate adaptation strategies within a large-scale conservation context. Working within an internal consultancy framework, you will learn how to navigate complex organizational structures and influence stakeholders through evidence-based advice. Exposure to ISO14001 standards and environmental management systems at scale will be a significant professional asset. Furthermore, the multidisciplinary nature of the team—including curators and building surveyors—provides unique cross-sector insights into how heritage conservation and environmental science intersect.

How does the ideal candidate look like (experience, skills)?

The ideal candidate holds a degree in environmental science, agriculture, or land management. You should have a foundational understanding of climate mitigation, carbon sequestration, and nature-friendly farming systems. Proficiency in data collection and interpretation is essential, as you will be translating numbers into site-specific advice. Soft skills are just as critical; you need to be a persuasive communicator who can build rapport with diverse groups, from farm tenants to project managers. Experience with Environmental Management Systems or carbon footprinting tools would make your profile stand out.

Advice to stand out and make a successful application

Focus your application on your ability to translate data into action. Instead of just listing your technical knowledge, provide examples of when you have influenced others to adopt sustainable practices or how you have successfully navigated a project with competing priorities. Since the role is based in the South West, demonstrating a specific understanding of UK farming landscapes and the environmental challenges facing rural estates will be highly beneficial. Show that you align with the Trust’s 'For everyone, for ever' ethos by emphasizing your collaborative approach.

What aspects of the company's sustainability is this role likely to focus on?

This role is central to the Trust's Restore Nature initiative, focusing heavily on carbon sequestration through land management and agricultural transitions. You will work on projects that move the organization toward its net-zero targets while simultaneously enhancing biodiversity. Climate resilience and adaptation are also major themes. You will likely help properties prepare for extreme weather events and changing climatic conditions, ensuring that both natural habitats and historic assets are protected from future environmental risks.

What are the main challenges someone in this role might face?

One of the primary challenges is balancing environmental goals with the operational realities of active farms and historic estates. You may encounter resistance to change or logistical hurdles when implementing new land management practices. Managing data quality and consistency across diverse locations can also be difficult. You will need to be meticulous and patient when working with property teams to ensure that carbon baselines are accurate and meaningful for long-term tracking.

How could a typical day look like for someone in this position?

A typical day might begin with a site visit to a National Trust property to meet with a farm tenant and discuss their current carbon footprint. You might spend the afternoon at the Bristol hub or working remotely, analyzing environmental performance data to prepare a report for the regional management team. Collaboration is constant; you might join a multidisciplinary meeting with surveyors and fundraisers to integrate climate adaptation measures into a new estate project. Your day will likely conclude with administrative tasks related to ISO14001 compliance and documentation.

What are the opportunities for professional growth and development in this role?

This role serves as a springboard into specialist environmental advisory positions. The Trust's internal consultancy model allows for horizontal growth into areas like land use policy, nature delivery, or corporate carbon strategy. Given the organization's scale and high visibility, successful performance can lead to senior advisory roles or project management positions within large-scale conservation initiatives. The National Trust is known for investing in its people, offering a pathway to becoming a lead expert in UK land management.

The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

You will frequently interact with Property Teams and Tenants, providing them with the tools and knowledge to manage land sustainably. These are the people implementing change on the ground, so building trust with them is paramount. Internal collaborators include the Restore Nature Team, Land Use Delivery Partners, and technical specialists like building surveyors. You will also communicate with external contractors and environmental consultants to ensure projects meet the Trust's high standards.

CSR Jobs newsletter

Never miss the next opportunity

Get a curated selection of new CSR, ESG, and sustainability roles in your inbox. No daily noise, just useful opportunities.

Free to join. Unsubscribe anytime.