Dartmoor National Park Authority seeks new chief executive with £111k salary

The search is on for a new chief executive of Dartmoor National Park Authority (DNPA), a role that comes with a salary of up to £111,000.

Dr Kevin Bishop announced in July that he would be standing down from what he described as his “dream job” after nearly two decades.

Applications for the position, which aims to help Dartmoor realise its full potential, must be submitted by Monday, October 20.

The salary range for the post is £101,717 to £111,547.

DNPA is seeking an “inspirational and strategic leader”, someone with the vision, credibility and energy to guide the authority through a period of transformation”.

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The successful candidate will need senior leadership experience, political acumen and a passion for Dartmoor’s landscapes and communities.

DNPA says the new leader will be “a champion for partnership, a steward of public value, and an ambassador for Dartmoor locally and nationally”.

The authority faces significant challenges in caring for the moor, including nature loss, climate pressures, an uncertain future for the farming community, financial and policy transitions, rising visitor numbers and development pressures beyond its boundaries.

But DNPA says there are also real opportunities, with Dartmoor uniquely placed to lead the way in landscape-scale recovery, sustainable land management and community-led innovation.

“This is therefore a time of both great change and great possibility for Dartmoor,” the authority said.

The new chief executive will be responsible for conserving and enhancing the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the moor, while promoting opportunities for public understanding and enjoyment. These are the statutory purposes of national parks, underpinned by a duty to foster the economic and social well-being of local communities.

Under Dr Bishop’s 18-year leadership, Dartmoor was the first UK national park to declare an ecological and climate emergency.

He initiated a climate action plan and worked with the farming community to create the award-winning Dartmoor Futures, highlighting how farming skills are critical for nature restoration.

He has been a strong advocate of partnership working and helped defend the public’s legal right to use some Dartmoor commons for backpack camping.

On announcing his departure, Dr Bishop said he felt “very honoured and privileged to have worked for Dartmoor National Park.

“It is a special place and I’ve been lucky to have worked with special people - from our passionate staff, volunteers and members, to the organisations and people who live, work and care for this world-class landscape.

“For me, the most rewarding part has been working with others to achieve our common goal: to keep Dartmoor truly unique with the power to inspire everyone.”