At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage nature reserves, oversee projects, and engage with the community for conservation efforts.
- Company: Join Shropshire Wildlife Trust, a passionate charity dedicated to protecting nature.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, flexible working, and generous pension contributions.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace that values diversity and offers career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on wildlife conservation and inspire others to take action for nature.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership, project management experience, and a valid UK driving license required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
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.
We value courage, respect, integrity, trust and responsibility. Whilst we are passionate in promoting our aims, we are not judgemental and are inclusive. We want our people to be as diverse as nature, so we particularly encourage applications from people who are underrepresented within our sector, including people from minority backgrounds and people with disabilities. We are committed to creating a movement that recognises and truly values individual differences and identities.
As a Disability Confident employer, we are committed to offering an interview to anyone with a disability that meets all the essential criteria for the post. Please let us know if you require any adjustments to make our recruitment process more accessible.
Nature Reserves Manager in Shrewsbury employer: The Wildlife Trusts
Shropshire Wildlife Trust (SWT) is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that values diversity and individual contributions. With a strong commitment to employee growth, SWT provides extensive training opportunities, flexible working policies, and generous benefits including a robust pension scheme and enhanced sick pay. Working in the heart of Shropshire, you will play a vital role in conservation efforts while enjoying a fulfilling career that makes a tangible impact on the environment and local communities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Nature Reserves Manager in Shrewsbury
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the conservation field, attend events, and connect with people on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research SWT’s projects and values so you can show how your experience aligns with their mission. Practice common interview questions and think about how you can demonstrate your leadership and project management skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for nature! When you get the chance, share your personal experiences with conservation and how they’ve shaped your career. This will help you stand out as someone who truly cares about the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the SWT team.
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 application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Nature Reserves Manager. We want to see how your skills in land management and project oversight can contribute to our conservation goals.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this role requires strong leadership, don’t shy away from sharing examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past. We love to see how you’ve inspired others and driven positive outcomes!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to convey your thoughts, as we appreciate excellent written communication skills. Remember, less is often more!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows your enthusiasm for joining our team at SWT!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Wildlife Trusts
✨Know Your Nature Reserves
Before the interview, dive deep into the specifics of the nature reserves you'll be managing. Familiarise yourself with their ecological conditions, current projects, and any recent developments. This will show your genuine interest and help you discuss how you can enhance their roles in conservation.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership and organisational skills. Think about times when you've successfully managed teams or projects in conservation. Be ready to discuss how you can inspire and engage volunteers and staff alike to achieve SWT's strategic goals.
✨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. This will demonstrate your ability to manage resources effectively and contribute to the sustainability of the reserves.
✨Engagement is Everything
Think about ways to improve visitor engagement and accessibility at the nature reserves. Have some ideas ready to share during the interview about how you would strengthen integration with wider SWT programmes and make the sites more welcoming for everyone.
