Summary

***INTERNAL APPLICANTS ONLY***

This position aims to kick-start a pipeline of nature-based projects relating to the Bollin Catchment. This work originally started prior to COVID and has largely been on pause since then. However, now the National Trust is looking to restart this work with an initial one year of feasibility to work out what interventions are needed to ensure:

• Rivers and catchments that are healthy, clean and rich in wildlife
• Rivers and catchments that are easily accessed, valued and loved for their heritage and beauty
• Sustainable long-term care for river catchments that has a national impact

This work will look to deliver catchment interventions initially on National Trust properties where climate change impacts over the last few years have created the need for urgent action both in and around the Bollin Catchment. The project will ultimately aim to deliver river-restoration schemes, improvement in land management practices and water quality and associated habitat enhancement and creation, by targeting issues identified within the Water Framework Directive and which provide ‘natural capital’ and social benefit. Interventions will be delivered at a series of National Trust properties and also in partnership on 3rd party land (when appropriate).

What it's like to work here

The project is taking a catchment-based approached and therefore the work will be covering primarily National Trust Properties of Dunham Massey, Quarry Bank and Lyme Park. It is envisaged that the successful candidate would need to travel to these sites to work closely with the Ranger teams there and for meetings with contractors and stakeholders.

What you'll be doing

This post is going to be varied as there is a lot we want to achieve. However, we also want to ‘get it right’, which is why this fixed term post will be looking at the feasibility of possibly future interventions and how we can fund them, while supporting ranger teams and volunteers with on the ground delivery. This means the work will be ‘desk-based’ with some delivery work undertaken at each of the properties.

The post will report to the Project Manager but will work closely with the Lead Rangers at each of the properties. The post will need to work closely with the wider Project Team members including Estate Managers, General Managers and Property Rangers.

This role will be responsible for planning work with contractors and volunteers as required. You will be expected to build relationships with key stakeholders, neighbouring landowners and our farm tenants in order for us to successfully develop a scope for implementation in future years.

This post will lead on primarily planning works required for the successful delivery of this project in future years. We’re looking for a great candidate who can demonstrate to us that:

• Experience of planning and delivering conservation land management.
• Experience of working in a busy environment with competing priorities.
• Experience of contractor management.
• Experience of stakeholder engagement.
• Experience of supporting with copy for bid writing or other formal communication around nature base solutions and conservation work.
• Ideally we’re looking for someone with knowledge of, and more importantly, infectious enthusiasm for nature, conservation and the outdoors.

Please also read the full role profile attached to this advert.

Who we're looking for

To deliver this role successfully, you will need to;

• Have practical experience of countryside/rural skills

• Have evidence of good people management and leadership

• Have excellent communication skills including public presentation

• Have strong organisational skills including work programming

• Have a proven track record of managing and leading on health and safety and environmental compliance

• Have a full UK Driving licence

• Be able to manage contractors and small projects, including budgets.

And you'll need to demonstrate the following experience on your CV/Application;

• Diploma/NVQ3 or higher in countryside or environmental conservation

• Have good wildlife identification skills

• Habitat and species surveying experience

• Empathy with, and significant experience of, working with volunteers

The package

The National Trust has the motto ‘For everyone, for ever’ at its heart. We’re working hard to create an inclusive culture, where everyone feels they belong. It’s important that our people reflect and represent the diversity of the communities and audiences we serve. We welcome and value difference, so when we say we’re for everyone, we want everyone to be welcome in our teams too.

Wherever you’re from, and whatever your background, we want to hear from you – and it doesn’t matter if you’re jam first, cream first, or even if you don’t like scones at all. Everyone is welcome.

Benefits for working at the National Trust include:

• Flexible working whenever possible

• Free parking at most locations

• Free entry to our properties for you, a guest and your children (under 18)

• Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary