6267 - Senior Reserve Manager, Thursley National Nature Reserve

Team Location: Thursley NNR, Surrey. Site base: The Barn, Lower House Road, Bowlhead Green, Surrey GU8 6NW.

The team uses a range of mechanisms including land management and planning advice, engagement with stakeholders and direct management of our own land to achieve the protection and enhancement of biodiversity and landscapes within the patch.

Job description

The Role

The Senior Reserve Manager (SRM) role leads the management of Natural England’s National Nature Reserves (NNRs) within the Thames Solent Team. This SRM post will focus on Thursley NNR, situated within the Surrey Hills National Landscape. At 325 hectares it is one of the largest remaining fragments of heathland in Surrey, consisting of extensive areas of dry heath, peat bogs, and woodland and is home to many species of rare birds and invertebrates.

The job requires a combination of technical and practical land management knowledge and a well-developed understanding of the ecology and management of relevant habitats – with an understanding of SSSI condition and an awareness of the contribution required to support the delivery of Natural England’s Strategy, the NNR Strategy and the 25 Year Environment Plan.

The Senior Reserve Manager at Thursley will play a key role within the new Wealden Heaths National Nature Reserve (NNR), a 2,700 ha landscape-scale partnership NNR in southwest Surrey, combining Thursley NNR and partner-managed lands.

Forming part of The King’s Series of NNRs, this initiative involves nine landowners and stakeholders—including Surrey Wildlife Trust, Waverley Borough Council, and Hampton Estate—working collaboratively to restore ecological function, enhance habitat connectivity, and contribute meaningfully to the UK’s 30 by 30 biodiversity targets.

The postholder will be expected to actively engage with the NNR partnership to help deliver shared nature recovery goals, improve access and community engagement, and advance sustainable land management across this priority heathland landscape.

Key tasks/principal accountabilities

• Project Management: Leading the delivery of all National Nature Reserve (NNR) work programmes, ensuring projects are completed on time and to a high standard.
• Budget Oversight: Managing the allocated NNR budget, ensuring financial accountability and cost-effective delivery.
• Health & Safety: Implementing and monitoring robust H&S procedures to protect staff, volunteers, and visitors.
• Local Engagement: Building and maintaining positive relationships with local stakeholders to support the NNR’s goals.
• Wealden Heaths Collaboration: Actively contributing to the wider Wealden Heaths super NNR partnership, aligning site management with collective nature recovery objectives and the Wealden Heaths Management Plan.
• Income Generation: Identifying and securing external funding opportunities to enhance site operations and conservation impact.
• Community & Partnership Working: Coordinating efforts with partners, volunteer groups, and the broader local community to foster shared stewardship.
• Team Leadership: Providing direct line management to at least 1 Reserve Manager, supporting their professional development and performance.
• Oversight of the management of Aldermaston Gravel Pits SSSI to ensure conservation objectives for the site are met, along with the development of a longer-term plan for the site which is not NNR but which is owned by Natural England.

Technical/specialist knowledge/qualifications – Essential (evidence required)

• Proven experience in land management, including the coordination and oversight of habitat restoration activities and responsibility for the health and safety of individuals carrying out practical conservation work.
• Experience of facilitating partnerships and public engagement to promote shared conservation goals and inclusive access to nature.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with stakeholders, including landowners, Approved Bodies, local authorities, and conservation organisations.
• Relevant and current (or recently expired) certification in key practical competencies, such as:

• Outdoor First Aid or First Aid at Work
• Chainsaw Operation (CS30, CS31)
• Pesticide Application (PA1a, PA6A)
• Brush-cutter Use
• IOSH Managing Safely (completed or in progress)
• Ability to operate 4×4 vehicles off-road (e.g., Land Rover), including confident use of trailers in rural and sensitive environments.
• Sound knowledge of animal husbandry and welfare practices; practical experience is strongly desirable.
• Experience working on nature reserves, countryside parks, or within forestry/landscape management organisations, particularly those involving public access and designated land.