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- Tasks: Lead conservation efforts for iconic London green spaces and manage a diverse team.
- Company: City of London Corporation, dedicated to preserving urban nature.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, benefits package, and on-site accommodation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on London's treasured landscapes and engage with the community.
- Qualifications: Experience in nature conservation, team leadership, and managing public open spaces.
- Other info: Join a supportive team committed to conservation across multiple iconic sites.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 60000 £ per year.
About Us
The City of London Corporation manages 11,000 acres of land in and around London, welcoming millions of visitors annually. The North London Open Spaces (NLOS) section oversees c. 1,000 acres of that portfolio and includes some of the UK's most iconic urban greenspaces, including: Hampstead Heath (including Golders Hill Park, Parliament Hill Fields, and Heath Extension), Highgate Wood, Queen’s Park, and West Ham Park. These beloved green spaces boast spectacular landscapes and vistas, ancient woodland, diverse wildlife, world class sporting and athletics facilities, and heritage assets. We work closely with local communities and stakeholders to preserve and enhance these natural assets, helping to make London one of the most liveable large cities in the world.
About the Role
This is a rare opportunity to take a senior leadership role at North London Open Spaces, and directly contribute to and make a meaningful impact in the conservation and protection of these cherished green spaces. As a member of the senior management team, the successful candidate will serve as the primary subject matter expert at NLOS for nature conservation, conceiving and leading on initiatives, advising colleagues, and working collaboratively both internally and externally. They will have responsibility for overseeing the day-to-day management of most of Hampstead Heath and all of Highgate Wood, and will also oversee a number of services that function across and support the four open spaces (e.g., arboriculture and tree management, waste and recycling, conservation, and ecology). For the better performance of their duties, the Head of Conservation will be required to reside in accommodation that is provided on site and will be scheduled onto an on-call and duty manager rota with other colleagues.
Key Responsibilities
- Serve as the primary subject matter expert for nature conservation at Hampstead Heath, Highgate Wood, Queen’s Park, and West Ham Park.
- Oversee the day-to-day management of Highgate Wood and most of Hampstead Heath.
- Oversee arboriculture/tree management, waste management, conservation, habitat creation/restoration and management, wildlife management, water body management, and climate change adaptation across North London Open Spaces.
- Lead and motivate a team of 25-30 multi-skilled professionals committed to the conservation of these four sites.
- Ensure compliance with all applicable legislation, including environmental protection, climate change, nature recovery, wildlife protection, flood risk management, and health and safety.
About You
We are looking for a high-energy and innovative leader with a strong background in nature conservation, open space management, and team leadership. The successful candidate will bring:
- Demonstrable experience in managing complex public open spaces.
- Comprehensive experience developing and delivering biodiversity and land management programmes and projects in a range of habitats, ideally within an urban setting.
- Significant experience managing complex conservation work and projects across varied landscapes.
- Significant knowledge of biodiversity and wildlife management, including land and water management.
- Strong experience managing a diverse team of professionals in an operational environment.
- Experience of implementing legislation and policy relevant to biodiversity conservation, planning guidance, and site designation for wildlife conservation and species status designations.
- A highly creative, entrepreneurial and ‘can do’ approach to problem solving, with the ability to remain resilient in the face of challenges.
- Strong quantitative skills and comfort interrogating and analysing data and budgets.
Why Join Us?
- Opportunity to join a prestigious organisation that protects some of London’s most treasured landscapes.
- Lead through a high-impact role with the opportunity to shape the future of these iconic spaces.
- Work within a supportive and collaborative team that is committed to conservation and community engagement.
- Work across multiple iconic sites.
- Competitive salary and benefits package.
How to Apply
If you are excited about the opportunity to play a pivotal role in preserving and enhancing London’s most cherished green spaces, we’d love to hear from you. Closing date: 12 Noon on Friday 16th January 2025. To apply please click the apply button.
Head of Conservation employer: City of London Corporation
Contact Detail:
City of London Corporation Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Conservation
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the conservation field, attend relevant events, and connect with people on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to express your love for nature conservation and urban greenspaces. Share your ideas on how you can contribute to their mission and make a real impact.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and its projects. Familiarise yourself with their key initiatives and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they’re about.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team and contributing to the conservation of London’s iconic green spaces.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Conservation
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Conservation: When writing your application, let your love for nature conservation shine through! Share specific examples of your experience and how it aligns with our mission at North London Open Spaces. We want to see your enthusiasm for preserving these iconic green spaces.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the Head of Conservation role. We’re looking for someone who can lead and inspire a team, so showcase your leadership experience and any successful projects you've managed.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate well-structured applications that make it easy for us to see your qualifications and fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our organisation there. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at City of London Corporation
✨Know Your Green Spaces
Familiarise yourself with the specific parks and open spaces you'll be managing, like Hampstead Heath and Highgate Wood. Understand their unique features, challenges, and conservation needs. This will show your genuine interest and expertise during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to discuss your approach to leading diverse teams in conservation settings. Share examples of how you've motivated and managed teams in the past, especially in complex environments. Highlight your ability to inspire others towards a common goal.
✨Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Skills
Be ready to tackle hypothetical scenarios related to biodiversity management or community engagement. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses, showcasing your creative and resilient approach to challenges.
✨Understand Relevant Legislation
Brush up on key legislation and policies related to nature conservation and wildlife protection. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve implemented these in previous roles, as this knowledge is crucial for the Head of Conservation position.
