Site Manager - West

Sussex Wildlife Trust
Sussex Wildlife Trust (SWT) is a conservation charity for everyone who cares about nature in
Sussex. We focus on protecting the wonderfully rich natural life that is found across our
towns, countryside and coast. By working alongside local people we create opportunities for us
all to connect with nature and for nature to thrive in even the most unlikely places.
We are now in a critical decade for change to protect and restore nature with the help of more
people taking action for wildlife. Now is the time for an ambitious action plan to match the
scale and urgency of the challenges we are facing. Our new Strategic Plan –Our Wild
Sussex– will be launched in April and sets out our vision and commitment to turning
the tide for wildlife so that by 2030, nature in Sussex will be in recovery.
To deliver our new strategic aims, we have recently completed a comprehensive restructure of
the charity to align to our goals. This restructure has generated a suite of new roles and
opportunities which will enable us to achieve our ambitions of restoring and protecting at
least 30% of Sussex land and sea for nature, inspiring one in four people in Sussex to take
meaningful action for wildlife, building a stronger more inclusive and diverse organisation and
becoming a net zero and climate resilient organisation.
In order to encourage diversity and inclusivity within the environment sector, we particularly
welcome applications from people who have an ethnically or geographically diverse background,
who are non-graduates and/or are living in economically deprived areas
The Person
We are looking for a highly experienced nature conservation professional with a broad range of
experience of managing dynamic nature reserves, detailed knowledge of land management and
associated funding and legislative frameworks. You will have a passion for wildlife, and strong
technical knowledge in habitat creation and restoration techniques. You will be highly
organised, able to create clear work plans, and help lead and manage and inspire your team in
managing these special places.
You will be a strong communicator able to work with a range of partners and stakeholders, to be
able to build a strong community partnership to take these Reserves forward as part of our
nature recovery strategy. You will be able to inspire people about wildlife and enjoy engaging
staff, volunteers and the public to enable their connection to nature.
The Role
This role will manage our western portfolio, covering over 750ha (1800 acres) you will oversee
the management of these dynamic, highly designated nature reserves. Your reserves will include
Butcherlands, our pioneering Rewilding project consisting of flower-rich meadows and newly
developing wood pasture with scrubland bursting with Nightingales. You will also manage Iping
Common, one of the largest blocks of lowland heathland in West Sussex, home to breeding
Nightjar and Dartford Warbler.
You will be responsible for managing a Ranger team, ensuring your team are motivated and
managed effectively to deliver on conservation targets. You will also work closely with our
Senior Ecologist, Head of Nature Reserves, Conservation Grazing Manager, other teams across
Sussex Wildlife Trust and the wider Wildlife Trust movement along with a wide range of
volunteer groups and contractors. You will ensure the sites are managed safely and effectively
and continue to thrive, both for wildlife and for opportunities to engage people in
understanding the sites and wider conservation issues.
Benefits
25 days holiday plus 8 bank holidays each year (pro-rated for part time staff)
Pension – company contribution from 6% and employee contribution of 3%
Life Assurance - Pension Scheme Members 2 x Salary, Non-Pension Scheme Members 1 x Salary
2 days paid leave for volunteering each year
Flexible working policy
Enhanced Sick Pay
EAP
Employee discounts
Informal car share arrangements
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