Conservation and Wildlife Officer in Harrogate

The Woodland Trust is looking for an experienced Conservation and Wildlife Officer to join the Snaizeholme Project team, supporting the conservation and long‑term management of the Snaizeholme Estate. The role will focus on conservation‑led wildlife management, including protecting and enhancing local Red Squirrel populations, habitat and species monitoring, and delivering practical land management across a diverse landscape. Working closely with landowners, partners, volunteers and local communities, the successful candidate will combine strong ecological knowledge with excellent communication and public engagement skills to help create a thriving, resilient landscape for wildlife and people.

A company vehicle will be provided for this role. Please note that the Company Vehicle Policy is under review as part of our Job Families and Contract Review project, so the eligibility criteria therein are subject to change in due course.

The Role:

• Coordinate stakeholders across the Northern Dales to deliver joined‑up, evidence‑led wildlife management, with a focus on Grey Squirrel control to support Red Squirrel populations.
• Lead ecological surveys and monitoring to inform habitat management, including grazing impacts, vegetation change, bird activity, ground‑nesting productivity and invasive species.
• Produce reports and contribute to conservation research in collaboration with colleagues, agencies and external partners.
• Manage and support wildlife contractors, volunteers and controllers, delivering evidence‑based squirrel and deer management across the estate and wider landscape.
• Support delivery of the Snaizeholme Estate project, providing specialist input into woodland, peatland, wetland and farmed habitat management.
• Deliver public engagement through presentations, events, site visits and volunteer coordination, ensuring safe and effective conservation activities.
• Ensure wildlife management complies with best practice, environmental legislation and regional/national partnership frameworks.
• Maintain accurate survey and management records using IT/GIS systems, support health and safety compliance, and provide training and guidance where needed.

This is a home‑based role, requiring regular travel to locations within the Snaizeholme landscape and wider area, sometimes to remote locations. You would be expected to live within reasonable travelling distance of your area of responsibility. Occasional travel to regional offices and overnight stays will be required.

The Candidate:

• Experience assessing, monitoring, and managing wildlife and habitats to deliver conservation objectives, particularly in upland environments.
• Skilled in wildlife and habitat surveying, species identification, and practical conservation management.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship‑building experience with farmers, land managers, ENGOs, local authorities, volunteers, and community groups.
• Confident in public engagement, including presentations, guided walks, and volunteer coordination.
• Knowledge of conservation‑led wildlife management, habitat survey methodologies, and upland land‑use practices.
• Competent in Health & Safety management, including lone working, risk assessments, and working in challenging terrain/weather conditions.
• Proficient in IT, data management, record keeping, and GIS software.
• Qualified with a relevant environmental/ecology/land management degree (or equivalent experience), full UK driving licence, and willingness to complete specialist training/certifications including Grey Squirrel Management and DSC Level 1 if not already held.

Benefits and Wellbeing:

• Enhanced Employer Pension
• Life Assurance
• Flexible & Hybrid Working Options
• Generous Annual Leave - 25 Days Plus Bank Holidays (pro rata’d for part‑time)
• Buy and Sell Holiday Scheme
• Enhanced Parental Pay
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

To achieve our vision of a world where woods and trees thrive for people and nature, we need to better reflect society and the communities we work in. All people, no matter their background, identity, ability, or circumstance, should benefit from trees. People of colour and disabled people are currently under‑represented across the environment and conservation sector. If you identify as a person of colour and/or disabled, we particularly encourage you to apply. Please contact us to discuss any additional support or adjustments you may need to complete your application.