Winter walkers on Striding Edge, one of the routes used by the felltop assessors on their way to the top of Helvellyn

A top job is on offer for anyone who wants to go up in the world.

If you fancy being paid to do a spot of hillwalking each day, now’s your chance to apply for the coveted job of Lake District felltop assessor. It won’t be just a stroll in the park, though – the successful applicant will be expected to supply weather reports and descriptions of conditions on England’s third highest peak.

The national park authority is inviting applications from anyone who believes they have the stamina and experience to make the trip on foot to the 950m (3,117ft) summit of Helvellyn in all conditions.

The assessor’s information is used on the Lake District Weatherline, which provides forecasts and real condition reports for hillwalkers and climbers. Cornices regularly build up above the Red Tarn headwall and last winter the pair of assessors reported a significant avalanche risk on the mountain.

The job spec for the post, which is much in demand whenever it comes up, says: “We are looking for a felltop assessor to assess and report on the fell conditions from the summit area of Helvellyn from December through to April.

The successful applicant will work alternately with existing assessor Jon Bennett

“Working seven days on and seven days off, including weekends and bank holidays, you will need to be able to climb from Glenridding to the summit of Helvellyn and back in four hours.

“Working on your own, you must have winter mountaineering skills and experience, a first-aid qualification and be able to assess conditions underfoot, including snow and ice conditions.”

Craig Palmer is stepping down

The job is currently shared by former marine commando Craig Palmer and ex-hotel manager Jon Bennett, but Mr Palmer has decided to step down after three years in the job.

Pay is between £7.77 and £8.75 per hour plus a 10 per cent weekend working allowance.

Would-be assessors can ring countryside service team leader Chris Tomlin on 01768 871402 for an informal discussion. Closing date for applications is midday on Friday 11 December and interviews will be held at the Blencathra Centre, near Threlkeld, a week later.

Further details are on the Lake District National Park Authority website.