Natural Environment Manager (Nature Recovery) 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 enhancing nature across the City. The role will drive an increase in work to enhance nature from pocket parks to strategic green spaces alongside communities and partners. It will be responsible for designing, fundraising for and delivering nature based solutions that will maximise the benefits for wellbeing, skills development, climate resilience, recreation and businesses.

What You’ll Lead

• The role will lead and coordinate all functions linked to nature recovery across the City. This will include functions such as Public Rights of Way, the management of playing pitches and associated club relationship management, the play area estate as well as community engagement and activation programmes.
• It will deliver the statutory Public Rights of Way function and enable more, and more diverse groups of people to access and enjoy the Council owned green and blue spaces.
• Role includes leading community engagement across the City with partners developing best practice delivery.
• The role will also lead the development of the Council’s response to climate adaptation ensuring we are resilient to the impacts of climate change.
• This is a broad portfolio of work which includes technical specialisations, partnership delivery and fundraising, in a manner which maximises the Council natural estate for the greatest benefit aligning with City priorities.
• Due to the fundamental role partnerships play in the delivery of these functions, this role will not only oversee PCC staff but will provide the PCC strategic leadership of National Trust Rangers who are working as part of joint teams within communities.

What You’ll Manage

• A high-performing and committed team working with and alongside community organisations across the City and beyond.
• Delivery of an innovative programme that promotes well-being, tackles inequality, and supports nature, net zero and climate adaption ambitions, by working with communities to design, develop and deliver solutions.
• Develop programmes of work to secure further funding and plan for the sustainable long-term future of community engaged stewardship of natural assets.
• Empowering communities and volunteers to co‑design, deliver and care for green and blue space and support long‑term management.
• Creating new opportunities and approaches to meet community needs and requirements.
• Building strong partnerships with national bodies like the National Trust, as well as with local stakeholders across health, education, skills and economy.
• A significant project budget ensuring robust financial and operational performance.
• Delivery against strategic plans including the Plan for Nature and People, and community led plans for their places.

What You’ll Bring

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

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 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 City.

Apply now and help us build a greener, happier, healthier, and more connected Plymouth and South Devon. We are a flexible employer and provide a variety of working arrangements tailored to the needs of each role.

For an informal discussion please contact Kat Deeney – Kathryn.deeney@plymouth.gov.uk to arrange a time.

Closing date: Sunday 14 December 2025

Please note, if selected for interview you will be required to attend the interview 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.

Seniority level: Mid‑Senior level

Employment type: Full‑time

Job function: Management and Manufacturing Industries: Government Administration