About the job

Job summary

This position is based at  Peterborough Unex House Peterborough

Job description

We are looking for organised and committed individuals who can work as part of our NNR team on our reserves in the Fenland Group of NNRs (Holme Fen; Monks Wood; and Woodwalton Fen) and North Chilterns Group of NNRs (Hexton Estate, Barton Hills and Knocking Hoe) on the Beds/Herts border.  

Job description  

The Reserve Manager plays a pivotal role in overseeing the efficient management and functioning of NNRs. Collaborating with the Senior Reserve Manager, other Reserve Managers, Reserve Wardens, volunteers, and stakeholders, this role involves hands-on practical management, outdoor work in challenging conditions, operation of machinery and equipment, and management of livestock.

The Reserve Manager operates within the framework of NNRs, contributing to the achievement of SSSI favourable condition status, habitat and access management, species control, and maintaining high visitor facility standards. The role involves close collaboration with specialists, Senior Reserve Managers, and partners to plan and execute projects, fostering community engagement, and supporting Nature Recovery Network objectives.

Key accountabilities

• Coordinate day-to-day NNR operations as per management plans.
• Lead monitoring and recording programs, ensuring accurate documentation.
• Provide advice for Management Plans and annual work programs.
• Deliver NE’s H&S responsibilities including risk assessment and management in all work areas, and typically inspection, maintenance and remedial works relating to tree safety, built infrastructure, machinery and vehicles, including maintaining records and H&S reporting.
• Supervise volunteers, assist in project planning, and collaborate with specialists.
• Act as a contact point for communities and stakeholders, maintaining regular communication.
• Develop and implement public engagement programs to garner support.
• Collaborate with colleagues, partners, and contractors to deliver work programs.
• Contribute to the development and review of five-year site management plans.
• Commission contractors, manage budgets, and update finance trackers.
• Engage with partners, customers, land managers, and communities across multiple NNRs.
• Share day to day management responsibilities for livestock on the NNR, including daily checks and general husbandry tasks.

Competencies

 

Competence 1  

Professional competency

 

Detail Instance 1  

Technical/specialist knowledge/qualifications

 

Description Instance 1  

• Good understanding of habitat management, ideally fen and wetland habitats, woodland and grasslands.
  • Good natural history knowledge and skills and how this relates to planning and delivering of habitat works.
  • Experience of engagement with visitors and/or external stakeholders to explain the benefits of the natural environment to wider society.
  • Experience of maintenance of estate fabric such as fencing, gates and stiles.
  • A full UK driving licence is essential.
  
  Desirable technical skills include Outdoor First Aid, the ability to drive off road vehicles, including the use of trailers, experience of tractor driving and use of attachments, ability to use a brushcutter or chainsaw.

 

Competence 2  

Professional competency

 

Detail Instance 2  

Putting people at the heart of the environment

 

Description Instance 2  

• Understand the importance of people accessing and engaging with the natural environment, and how to balance their needs with nature conservation objectives.
  • Use clear and appropriate language, communication styles and techniques that engage your audience.
  • Collaborate, influence and build trusting relationships to achieve pragmatic outcomes.

 

Competence 3  

Professional competency

 

Detail Instance 3  

Creating resilient landscapes and seas

 

Description Instance 3  

• Ability to recognise, identify and interpret environmental features on NNRs.
  • Experience of carrying out or contributing to relevant monitoring work.
  • Understand and apply appropriate management techniques to maintain or enhance the condition of sites.

 

Competence 4  

Professional competency

 

Detail Instance 4  

Working safely

 

Description Instance 4  

• Understand the duty of care owed to all visitors, contractors or others on our NNRs.
  • Apply the principles of risk management and adopt safe working practices for yourself and the people you work with in everything you do.

 

Competence 5  

Professional competency

 

Detail Instance 5  

Personal Effectiveness

 

Description Instance 5  

• Act with integrity, addressing challenging issues and managing conflict through being open and objective.

 

Competence 6  

Professional competency

 

Detail Instance 6  

Work Delivery

 

Description Instance 6  

• Manage and deliver your work to meet agreed targets and deadlines.

Person specification

Please refer to job description

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £29,318, Natural England contributes £7,945 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

Things you need to know

Selection process details

Please refer to job description

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check. People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window). The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.