Natural Environment Manager (Community Forest) in Plymouth

Are you ready to lead transformative change for nature and communities in one of the UK’s most ambitious cities for environmental innovation? Plymouth City Council is seeking a dynamic Natural Environment Manager to drive forward pioneering work within the Plymouth and South Devon Community Forest. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of the Forest, lead high‑profile partnerships, and deliver nature‑based solutions that support climate resilience, health, and wellbeing.

What You’ll Lead

• This role will lead the delivery of the Plymouth and South Devon Community Forest (PSDCF). One of 15 Community Forests across England, collectively delivering a significant planting programme whilst maximising the benefits for people, plant and places.
• The PSDCF supports tree planting from the heart of Plymouth City to Dartmoor and along the South Devon coast to Exeter.
• The PSDCF was only established 5 years ago and in that time has delivered nearly 500ha of planting to date with over 300ha of planting on the pipeline for this coming season, thanks to the Government’s Trees for Climate funding programme.
• This role will help deliver the incredible work of the Forest, help further its ambition, whilst continually looking at how to improve community engagement and involvement with the Forest, especially through work with young people.

What You’ll Manage

• A high‑performing team delivering across the Forest within both urban and rural settings.
• Delivery of an innovative programme that promotes biodiversity, tackles inequality, and supports net zero and climate adaptation ambitions.
• Develop programmes of work to secure further funding and plan for the sustainable long‑term future of the Forest.
• Empowering communities and volunteers to co‑design, deliver and care for Forest planting and long‑term management.
• Building strong partnerships with national bodies like the National Trust, Woodland Trust, England’s Community Forest and the Community Forest Trust, as well as with local stakeholders across health, education and economy.
• A significant project budget ensuring robust financial and operational performance.
• Delivery against strategic plans including the Plan for Nature and People, and the PSDCF Plan and inputs to wider city planning processes.

What You’ll Bring

• A degree in a natural environment or related field.
• Membership (or willingness to work towards) of a relevant professional institute.
• Proven leadership in delivering large‑scale natural infrastructure projects.
• Substantial experience of working with partners and communities to deliver environmental impacts that benefit people, places, and prosperity.
• Track record of securing funding and awareness of emerging natural capital markets.
• Strong communication skills working with a variety of audiences, strategic thinking, and political awareness.
• Experience working with communities, volunteers and cross‑sector partners.

Why Plymouth?

Plymouth is a city of bold urban nature recovery programmes and exceptional partnership delivery. This is a chance to be part of a pioneering team shaping the future of Plymouth’s natural environment and how it can support the City and surrounding areas to be a great place to live, work and visit. You’ll work in a dynamic, collaborative setting with opportunities to innovate, influence national policy, and make a lasting impact across the PSDCF area.

We are a flexible employer and provide a variety of working arrangements tailored to the needs of each role. The Disclosure & Barring Service Check requirement for this post is Standard. For an informal discussion please contact Kat Deeney – Kathryn.deeney@plymouth.gov.uk to arrange a time.

Closing date: Wednesday 19th November 2025. Interviews: Week commencing 1st and 8th December in person in Plymouth.

Plymouth City Council is an equal opportunities employer. All applicants will be considered for employment regardless of age, care experience, disability, gender reassignment, marriage/civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity, race, religion/belief, sex or sexual orientation. As part of our commitment to promoting equality we offer guaranteed interviews to those who meet the essential criteria and are considered disabled, care experienced or are an Armed Forces Service Leaver within the last two years.