At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage nature reserves, oversee projects, and enhance visitor engagement.
- Company: Shropshire Wildlife Trust, dedicated to conservation and community engagement.
- Benefits: Generous holiday, pension contributions, flexible working, and career development support.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to restoring nature and engaging communities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in conservation while leading impactful projects.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership, land management experience, and excellent communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 38532 - 40019 € per year.
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 employer: The 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 a 7% pension contribution, flexible working policies, and opportunities for training and development, SWT empowers its staff to make a meaningful impact on conservation efforts while enjoying a healthy work-life balance in the beautiful surroundings of Shrewsbury, Shropshire.
Contact Detail:
The Shropshire Wildlife Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Nature Reserves Manager
✨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 employees or volunteers at SWT through LinkedIn or local events. Building relationships can give you insider knowledge and might even lead to a referral, which is always a bonus!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those interviews! Think about how your skills in land management and project oversight align with the role. Practise answering common interview questions and be ready to discuss specific examples of your past experiences.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team and contributing to conservation efforts.
We think you need these skills to ace Nature Reserves Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in land management and conservation. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Nature Reserves Manager, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Show Off Your Communication Skills:Since excellent written and verbal communication is key for this role, ensure your application reflects that. Use clear, concise language and make your points easy to follow. We love a well-structured application that tells a story!
Highlight Leadership Experience:As a Nature Reserves Manager, you’ll need strong leadership skills. Share examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past. We’re looking for someone who can inspire and manage effectively, so let us know how you’ve done that!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team at SWT!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Shropshire Wildlife Trust
✨Know Your Nature Reserves
Before the interview, dive deep into the specifics of the nature reserves managed by SWT. Familiarise yourself with their current projects, 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 about times when you've successfully led a team or project in conservation or land management. Be ready to discuss how you can inspire and manage volunteers while ensuring compliance with health and safety requirements.
✨Financial Savvy is Key
Since the role involves budgeting and financial monitoring, brush up on your financial planning skills. Be prepared to discuss your experience with grant funding applications and managing projects on a commercially viable basis. Highlight any successful projects where you achieved full cost recovery.
✨Engagement is Everything
Visitor engagement and accessibility are crucial for SWT. Think of innovative ways you've improved visitor experiences in previous roles. Be ready to share ideas on how to strengthen integration with wider programmes and maximise volunteer contributions to enhance community involvement.
