At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage nature reserves, oversee projects, and enhance conservation efforts.
- Company: Join Shropshire Wildlife Trust, a leader in conservation and community engagement.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, flexible working, and a generous pension scheme.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team dedicated to restoring nature and engaging communities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference for wildlife and inspire others to take action.
- Qualifications: Leadership skills, land management experience, and strong project management abilities.
£38,532 - £40,019 depending on skills and experience + 7% pension contribution
Shrewsbury, Shropshire
Permanent, Full Time (35 hours per week)
Closing date - 15th June 2026
Interviews will be held on 23rd & 26th June 2026
We are seeking a Nature Reserves Manager to oversee the day-to-day responsibility for SWT’s nature reserves and to work with the Head of Conservation and Policy to ensure that the sites play an enhanced role in achieving our strategic goals in conservation, people engagement and natural capital. This is a key role in ensuring SWT’s nature reserves are maintained in good ecological and hydrological condition, are accessible, welcoming and well known to the widest possible audience, and that demonstration sites are managed on a commercially viable basis to deliver ecosystem services, including biodiversity net gain (BNG).
What you will be doing:
- You will oversee annual budgeting, financial monitoring, grant funding applications, environmental land management (ELM) payments and biodiversity net gain (BNG) delivery, ensuring projects are managed on a commercially viable basis and achieve full cost recovery where appropriate.
- You will also be responsible for maintaining site infrastructure, ensuring compliance with health and safety requirements, overseeing grazing management, and managing reserve documentation, leases and legal records.
- Working closely with internal teams, you will help improve accessibility and visitor engagement across SWT sites, strengthen integration with wider SWT programmes, and maximise the contribution of volunteers.
We are looking for someone who has:
- Strong leadership and organisational skills
- Significant experience in land management within conservation or a related field
- Strong project management experience
- Excellent written and verbal communications skills
- Ability to build positive working relationships both internally and externally
- Sound financial planning and management skills
- A valid UK driving license is essential.
The Trust is committed to building an equal, diverse and inclusive workforce we encourage applications from a diverse range of suitably qualified candidates. Please let us know if you require any adjustments to make our recruitment process more accessible.
Why work for us - benefits we offer:
- 25 days holiday plus Bank Holidays and Service related holiday (pro-rated for part time staff)
- Salary sacrifice benefits
- Life assurance
- Generous pension - company contribution 7%, employee contribution 3%
- Enhanced Sick Pay
- Flexible working policy
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Staff discounts
- Employee away days
- Enhanced pay for maternity and adoption leave
- Coaching
- Support with training and development to assist career progression
- Inclusive & supportive work atmosphere
About us:
Shropshire Wildlife Trust (SWT) has a vision of a thriving natural world, where Shropshire's wildlife and natural habitats play a valued role in addressing the climate and ecological emergencies, and people are inspired and empowered to take action for nature. We combine projects across Shropshire (including Telford & Wrekin) with advocacy and campaigning to restore nature and to engage people. We manage over 40 nature reserves and have almost 50 staff, 300 volunteers, and over 9000 members. SWT is an autonomous charity, but we are increasingly working collectively, as part of The Wildlife Trusts (TWT), to ensure that our local actions have a national impact and help to address global issues.
Nature Reserves Manager in Shrewsbury employer: Shropshire Wildlife Trust
Shropshire Wildlife Trust (SWT) is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With generous benefits such as 25 days of holiday, a robust pension scheme, and flexible working policies, SWT fosters an environment where staff can thrive while making a meaningful impact on conservation efforts in Shrewsbury. Join us to be part of a dedicated team that values collaboration, innovation, and the vital role of nature in our communities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Nature Reserves Manager in Shrewsbury
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Research Shropshire Wildlife Trust and its nature reserves. Understanding their mission and values will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn, attend relevant events, or join conservation groups. Building relationships can give you insider info and might even lead to a recommendation!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those interviews! Think about how your skills in leadership, project management, and financial planning align with the role. Practise answering common questions and have examples ready that showcase your experience in land management and conservation.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at SWT and contributing to our mission of protecting nature.
We think you need these skills to ace Nature Reserves Manager in Shrewsbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Nature Reserves Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience in land management and project management, and show us how your skills align with our goals at SWT.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:We’re looking for someone with strong leadership abilities. Use your application to demonstrate how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past, especially in conservation or related fields.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured documents that are easy to read. Make sure to proofread for any typos or errors before hitting send!
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.
How to prepare for a job interview at Shropshire Wildlife Trust
✨Know Your Nature Reserves
Before the interview, dive deep into the specific nature reserves managed by the organisation. Familiarise yourself with their unique features, challenges, and successes. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you discuss how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership and organisational skills. Think of situations where you've successfully led a team or project in conservation or land management. Be ready to discuss how you can inspire and manage volunteers effectively.
✨Financial Savvy is Key
Brush up on your financial planning and management skills. Be prepared to discuss your experience with budgeting, grant applications, and ensuring projects are commercially viable. Having concrete examples will demonstrate your capability in this crucial area.
✨Engagement is Everything
Think about how you can improve visitor engagement and accessibility at the reserves. Prepare ideas or strategies that could enhance community involvement and awareness. Showing that you can think creatively about engagement will set you apart from other candidates.
