At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a major woodland restoration project and manage contractors while ensuring quality and budget.
- Company: Join the National Trust, caring for stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage in Pembrokeshire.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, substantial pension, free entry to National Trust sites, and various employee perks.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on nature while working with a passionate team in beautiful outdoor settings.
- Qualifications: Experience in countryside management, report writing, and a full UK driving license required.
- Other info: Full training provided; opportunities to work across various locations in Pembrokeshire.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
Job Description
Summary
We’re looking for an experienced countryside ranger to oversee the delivery and reporting of a major woodland restoration project.
Your experience in getting work done to time, budget and a high quality will complement the knowledge and experiences of the other rangers in Pembrokeshire. You’ll mainly be working with the team from our offices at Stackpole Estate, although you’ll also have opportunities to work across all our places in Pembrokeshire.
Rydym yn chwilio am geidwad cefn gwlad profiadol i oruchwylio’r gwaith o gyflawni ac adrodd ar brosiect adfer coetir mawr.
Bydd eich profiad o wneud gwaith yn brydlon, o fewn y gyllideb ac o ansawdd uchel yn ategu gwybodaeth a phrofiadau'r ceidwaid eraill yn Sir Benfro. Byddwch yn gweithio’n bennaf gyda’r tîm o’n swyddfeydd yn Ystâd Ystagbwll, er byddwch hefyd yn cael cyfleoedd i weithio ar draws ein holl leoedd yn Sir Benfro.
What it's like to work here
You'll join a team of nine rangers who look after these wonderful landscapes, working closely with our visitor welcome colleagues to ensure everyone can enjoy the very best that Wales has to offer in this beautiful corner of the country. Our work is supported by a range of experts within National Trust such as, Project Managers, Wildlife Advisors, Estate Managers and Archaeologists.
National Trust Cymru looks after some of the most naturally spectacular and culturally rich landscapes in the UK and the Pembrokeshire properties are some of the best Wales has to offer.
We care for 60 miles of coastline in Pembrokeshire, and manage over 4,000ha of land, from the large estates of Stackpole and Colby in the south, to the windswept farms, commons, and cliffs in the north. Steeped in history, the landscape here has been a cultural hot spot for thousands of years and we care for Iron Age burial chambers and promontory forts, medieval field systems, 19th Century limekilns and Second World War air defences.
What you'll be doing
As Project Officer, you'll oversee the delivery and reporting for the final year of a major woodland restoration project on the 400 ha National Trust Colby Estate.
The heart of the project is the eradication of five species of invasive non-native species (INNS). The project will also improve overall woodland health by restructuring, removing dead and dying conifers, thinning, softening edges and replanting more native broadleaf species. Access will be improved by widening or clearing pathways with creeping vegetation allowing greater usage.
Your time will be split between the outdoors on Colby Woodland Estate and the Stackpole office. On the Colby estate you will be overseeing project delivery by contractors, as well as planning the next phase of work. In the office at Stackpole, you will be responsible for managing the project timetable and finances, and reporting progress to our funder and internal project board.
Your experience in getting work done to time, budget and a high quality will complement the knowledge and experiences of the other rangers in Pembrokeshire. You’ll mainly be working with the team from our offices at Stackpole Estate, although you’ll also have opportunities to work across all our places in Pembrokeshire.
There will also be opportunities to work alongside other rangers (and occasionally alone) carrying out a range of practical tasks such as, forestry, conservation grazing, countryside management and estate maintenance.
Full training will be available in practical and office tasks where needed.
The project is funded by the Woodland Investment Grant (TWIG) and started in June 2024.
Who we're looking for
We’d love to hear from you if you’re:
- an enthusiasm and willingness to learn
- experience of working with countryside or woodland contractors
- experience of managing or supervising a number of small countryside or woodland management contracts or projects simultaneously
- experience in report writing and managing budgets
- knowledge of Health & Safety legislation relevant to countryside work
- good written and verbal communications skills
- a full UK Driving licence
The package
The National Trust has the motto ‘For everyone, for ever’ at its heart. We’re working hard to create an inclusive culture, where everyone feels they belong. It’s important that our people reflect and represent the diversity of the communities and audiences we serve. We welcome and value difference, so when we say we’re for everyone, we want everyone to be welcome in our teams too.
•Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary
•Free entry to National Trust places for you, a guest and your children (under 18)
•Rental deposit loan scheme
•Season ticket loan
•EV car lease scheme
•Perks at work discounts such as gym memberships, shopping discount codes, cinema discounts
•Holiday allowance up to 32 days relating to length of service, plus holiday purchase scheme, subject to meeting minimum criteria.
•Flexible working whenever possible
•Employee assistance programme
•Free parking at most Trust places
Click here to find out more about the benefits we offer to support you.
Project Officer / Swyddog Prosiect employer: National Trust
Contact Detail:
National Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Officer / Swyddog Prosiect
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the specific woodland restoration techniques mentioned in the job description. Understanding invasive non-native species (INNS) and how to manage them will show your commitment and expertise during the interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former rangers from the National Trust, especially those who have worked on similar projects. They can provide valuable insights and may even refer you internally, increasing your chances of landing the job.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience managing budgets and timelines in detail. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully overseen projects, as this is a key requirement for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Show your enthusiasm for conservation and countryside management by engaging with local environmental groups or volunteering for related projects. This demonstrates your passion and commitment to the field, which can set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Project Officer / Swyddog Prosiect
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of a Project Officer. Highlight your experience in managing woodland restoration projects and your ability to work within time and budget constraints.
Tailor Your CV: Customize your CV to reflect your relevant experience in countryside management, report writing, and budget management. Emphasize any specific projects you've overseen that align with the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your enthusiasm for the role and the National Trust's mission. Mention your willingness to learn and your experience working with contractors in woodland management.
Highlight Communication Skills: Since good written and verbal communication skills are essential, provide examples of how you've effectively communicated project progress to stakeholders in previous roles.
How to prepare for a job interview at National Trust
✨Show Your Passion for Conservation
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for woodland restoration and conservation during the interview. Share any personal experiences or projects you've been involved in that demonstrate your commitment to preserving natural landscapes.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
Discuss your previous experience managing countryside or woodland projects, especially any work involving contractors. Be specific about your role in overseeing project delivery, managing budgets, and ensuring high-quality outcomes.
✨Demonstrate Strong Communication Skills
Since you'll be reporting progress to funders and internal boards, it's crucial to showcase your written and verbal communication skills. Prepare examples of reports you've written or presentations you've delivered in past roles.
✨Prepare for Health & Safety Questions
Familiarize yourself with Health & Safety legislation relevant to countryside work. Be ready to discuss how you ensure safety on-site and how you would handle any potential risks associated with woodland management.