Reserve Manager Gloucestershire National Nature Reserves

You will require extensive practical land management experience, good ecological field skills, an adaptable approach, the ability to build and maintain productive relationships with partners, volunteers, local communities and other stakeholders and good team working skills.You will be required to work independently at times, following appropriate training and familiarisation, so will need good initiative, self-motivation and personal effectiveness. You will need to be physically fit and have the ability to operate safely and effectively in remote locations, as day-to-day tasks will be conducted on sometimes steep, challenging terrain and require working outside in all weather conditions.You will need to have knowledge and experience in the safe use of tools and machinery associated with delivering practical habitat management ideally including the use of chainsaws, brushcutters, herbicides and 4x4s. Ideally you will also have some experience of working with livestock. Day to day work on the NNRs is highly variable but includes the following:• Undertake the delivery of practical nature conservation on Gloucestershire’s NNRs. This may involve working independently or with other members of the NNR team, volunteers, contractors, partners or local communities.• Coordinate and assist with survey and monitoring work across the NNRs and work with partners to further this and feed results, where relevant, into management planning process• Contribute to review and delivery of NNR Management Plans and input into CMSi (Countryside Management System.)• Assist with stock checks of cattle and day to day management of small flying flock of Hebridean sheep• Assist with maintenance of Ebworth work base and associated vehicles, machinery and equipment• Deliver NE’s H&S responsibilities including risk assessment and management of all work areas, and typically inspection, maintenance and remedial works relating to tree safety, built infrastructure, machinery and vehicles• Set up and supervise contractors to carry out work on the NNRs• Work closely with the Senior Reserve Manager and deputise when required e.g. during periods of annual leave• Undertake programmes of public engagement that build the support of visitors and local communities in the NNRs.• Act as one of main contact points for the reserves and provide regular communications with communities and stakeholders, referring complex or contentious issues to the Senior Reserve Manager.

Technical skills and knowledge

• A demonstrable passion for the natural environment and the conservation of UK species and habitats• Good ecological field skills including the ability to identify key species on the reserves, surveying and monitoring• Sound understanding of land management for conservation and knowledge of practical land management techniques, particularly woodland and grassland habitats• Consolidated experience in direct delivery of land management. This includes: the operation of chainsaws, brush-cutters, 4x4 vehicles and herbicide application. Appropriate certification for these will be required, although some training can be provided.• Practical skills associated with the installation and maintenance of nature reserve infrastructure e.g. fencing, water supplies, access tracks, gates, signage and interpretation.• Excellent communication skills and experience of engaging with the public and working with partners• Competent IT skills including use of spreadsheets.• Ideally experience of working with livestock, particularly cattle and sheep• Ideally some contract management experience i.e. writing specifications, letting and managing contracts, supervising and managing contractors in the safe and effective delivery of practical site work

How to apply

We'll assess you against the competencies below during the selection process. When completing the application form you should present relevant examples using the STAR format. STAR stands for:• Situation• Task• Action• ResultExamples should be given in no more than 250 words for each competency. Please ensure you read the Candidate Information Pack before you begin completing the application form.

Natural England staff are inclusive, motivated and ambitious to achieve results for our environment, for everyone. We welcome and encourage applications from all communities and we operate a guaranteed interview scheme for disabled applicants who meet the minimum requirements for the role.

Wherever possible Natural England accommodates requests for both full-time and part-time hours and other flexible working patterns to help employees achieve a good work/life balance and maintain their health and wellbeing.

From induction to ongoing learning and development, everyone in Natural England is supported to develop their skills and capabilities. Where appropriate there will be offers of training under our apprenticeship schemes.

See more about the work of Natural England at:

www.gov.uk/government/organisations/natural-england