At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead nature restoration projects across 60 reserves, engaging communities and managing habitats.
- Company: Surrey Wildlife Trust, a grassroots movement for nature recovery.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive workplace, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with a focus on innovative solutions for environmental challenges.
- Why this job: Join the revolution to restore nature and make a real impact on biodiversity.
- Qualifications: Experience in ecology, habitat management, and team leadership required.
The predicted salary is between 38000 - 43000 £ per year.
We need a Conservation Manager to help deliver nature restoration on over 60 nature reserves across Surrey.
Do you want to be part of the nature restoration revolution? We need to act now to enable change and save Surrey’s nature. Surrey is a bio-diverse county full of exciting habitats – lowland heathland, calcareous grassland, woodland and wetlands – all abundant with wildlife but under pressure. We are working hard to make a difference, to re-connect the landscape using:
- an evidence-based approach
- forward-thinking practical habitat management
- species reintroductions
- partnership working
- community engagement
- nature-based solutions
This is a new way of working – not just conserving, we are restoring by rethinking with ambition to achieve. We need a Conservation Manager who thinks like we do to lead a team of Reserve Officers, to help deliver nature restoration on over 60 nature reserves (c.5,000ha) across the county, many of which have international conservation designations.
The successful candidate will be a forward-thinking individual with practical experience, project and budget management skills and able to use logical thinking and imagination to expand and explore alternative approaches to nature restoration in Surrey. The role requires the candidate to have a background in ecology and habitat management with experience of a variety of habitats. They must be passionate about, and skilled in, nature restoration and able to motivate and support a team of Reserves Officers, prioritising effectively to swiftly changing demands and complex issues.
You must have previous experience of successfully working within the environmental sector matched with an out-going, personable and friendly approach, and the ability to work with a wide range of people. SWT are looking to lead the way in Surrey to create functioning ecosystems, at scale, that provide resilience, biodiversity and increase bio-abundance for the benefit not only of nature but people too. This will require innovative and creative thinking as we move from nature conservation to nature restoration so someone with the energy to lead on this and support the team to turn this vision to reality is essential.
If you believe you have the experience for the role and are able to fulfil the criteria outlined in the job profile, please complete an application form, or provide a covering letter and CV, and send it to james.herd@surreywt.org.uk by 19th March 2026. Interviews will be held at Pond Farm on 31st March and/or 1st April.
We are committed to having an inclusive and diverse workplace and encourage applications from backgrounds which may be underrepresented in our sector, including people from minority ethnic backgrounds and people with disabilities. Please let us know if you require any adjustment to make our recruitment process more accessible.
‘Our vision for a wilder Surrey is a future with abundant wildlife and nature recovery networks rich in biodiversity.’ We will realise this vision by creating bigger, better and more joined up areas of land for biodiversity benefit through direct conservation land management and key relationship management.
Surrey Wildlife Trust is one of 46 Wildlife Trusts across the UK, a grassroots movement working to protect and connect at least 30 per cent of land and sea for nature’s recovery by 2030. Guided by a collaborative vision where we all play a part in connecting nature, we provide expert advice and guidance to landowners and managers, making sure the land we look after leads by example, while inspiring and educating people and organisations across the county on what they can do. By doing this we will create a Surrey that is full of diverse and abundant wildlife, where nature is at the heart of individual choices, corporate decisions, and local economic and policy making. One that helps tackle the ongoing climate emergency, while supporting the health and wellbeing of all who live here.
Conservation Manager employer: Elbichologo
Surrey Wildlife Trust is an exceptional employer for those passionate about nature restoration, offering a collaborative and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee growth and innovation. Located in the biodiverse landscapes of Surrey, employees benefit from engaging with a variety of habitats while contributing to meaningful conservation efforts across over 60 nature reserves. With a commitment to professional development and a vision for a wilder future, this role provides a unique opportunity to make a tangible impact on both the environment and local communities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Conservation Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the conservation field, attend events, and join online forums. The more connections we make, the better our chances of landing that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and its projects. We should be ready to discuss how our skills align with their mission of nature restoration and biodiversity.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase our passion for conservation! During interviews, let’s share personal stories or experiences that highlight our commitment to nature and habitat management.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets noticed and shows we’re serious about joining the team at Surrey Wildlife Trust.
We think you need these skills to ace Conservation Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Nature:When writing your application, let your love for nature shine through! Share specific experiences that highlight your commitment to conservation and restoration. We want to see how your passion aligns with our mission at StudySmarter.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Conservation Manager role. Highlight relevant skills and experiences that match the job description. This shows us you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in joining our team.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon unless it’s necessary. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and enthusiasm.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it helps us keep everything organised as we review applications.
How to prepare for a job interview at Elbichologo
✨Know Your Habitats
Make sure you brush up on the specific habitats mentioned in the job description, like lowland heathland and wetlands. Being able to discuss these in detail will show your passion and expertise in ecology and habitat management.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past. Highlight your ability to motivate others and manage complex issues, as this role requires someone who can inspire a team of Reserve Officers.
✨Be Ready for Innovative Thinking
Think about creative solutions you've implemented in previous roles. The interviewers will be looking for someone who can think outside the box when it comes to nature restoration, so come armed with ideas that demonstrate your forward-thinking approach.
✨Engage with Community Focus
Since community engagement is key to this role, prepare to discuss how you've worked with diverse groups in the past. Show your understanding of the importance of involving local communities in conservation efforts and how you can bring that experience to Surrey Wildlife Trust.
