Oversight of all aspects of reserve management on the Trust’s western land holdings in Berkshire, including the land management facilities at Estovers, Greenham Common.
Manage the Western reserves team including staff, (key)volunteers and trainees and provide leadership and advice to the wider reserves team across the county
Create, oversee, implement and monitor the delivery of the West reserves team annual work plan, as directed by Land Management & Ecology work plan, reserve management plans, tree assessments, grazing plan and H&S audits.
Draw up and manage annual budgets and other funds relating to Western reserves. Co-ordinate budgeting and spending with fundraising team.
Ensure successful implementation, delivery and compliance with agri-environmental schemes, and lead on the application of agri-environment grant applications on western reserves
Responsibility for the Trust’s livestock in West of the county. Fulfil all legal and ethical obligations to welfare and ownership, particularly regarding health inspections and upkeep of movement and herd/flock records.
Develop partnerships with neighbours, landowners, and other organisations, to promote and deliver benefits for wildlife on reserves and in the wider countryside
Liaise with statutory agencies on a regular basis to achieve best management, particularly on designated reserves.
Oversee the Trust’s relationship with all stakeholders, including community groups, site visitors, those wishing to carry out activities on the Trust estate, Advisory Committees, access groups, regional committees and volunteers.
Develop and review management plans for reserves, in accordance with national, regional and local targets for species and habitats.
Write, implement and supervise contracts to achieve annual project programmes.
Provide regular reports on reserve activity, as required.
Seek and secure applicable grant funding
Ensure Health and Safety obligations of the Western reserves teams are maintained to relevant standards.
Contribute to Trust policies and procedures.
Identify and take opportunities to generate income from BBOWT land holdings.
Oversee the programme of events and community engagement on relevant reserves
Identify and deliver projects on western reserves
To ensure that all health and safety obligations are met in all aspects of the role
To engender a culture of membership recruitment within the team
Any other duties as delegated by the Line Manager, Director or Chief Executive.
Person Specification
Significant knowledge and skills in applied nature conservation management/ practical site management
In depth skills and knowledge of ecological principles, habitat management and assessment for a range of habitat types including Lowland Heathland.
Ability to identify common biotic groups
The ability to deal with, and present information to, a broad range of audiences including the public, Trust members and volunteers in a friendly and professional manner in a variety of situations
Contract and project management experience
Grant aid application and management skills and knowledge
Livestock handling, welfare and record keeping skills and knowledge
Working knowledge of health and safety management principles and legislation, including for employing contractors
In depth skills and knowledge in managing staff, volunteers and contractors
An ability to work with a minimum of supervision and show high levels of initiative to achieve results with limited human and financial resources
Willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends as necessary
Budgetary and work planning skills and knowledge
First Aid at Work Forestry + qualification *
NPTC Transport of Livestock by Road (short journeys)*
Tree safety assessment training*
Trailer driving qualification*
Competent in use of MS Office functions such as Word and Outlook and intermediate Excel, and GIS.
Ability and willingness to demonstrate the BBOWT behaviours and values
Current UK valid manual car driving licence
* means that the certification must be achieved within 6 months of being appointed in post (if
not already qualified). The candidate appointed will receive appropriate training and two
opportunities to pass assessments to ensure that they meet the criteria. A consistent failure
to achieve an adequate standard in tests is likely to mean that the employment will be
terminated.
Measurements of Success
Ability to deliver the Trust’s objectives for reserve management in Berkshire
Amount of supervision required to achieve the above
Contribution to taking the Trust forward in terms of best management for reserve and other core activities
Positive feedback from members, volunteers and visitors
This post will be DBS checked at basic level. A criminal conviction will not necessarily be a
bar to obtaining the position. BBOWT will not unfairly discriminate on the basis of criminal
convictions. BBOWT’s policy regarding this matter and the Disclosure and Barring Service Code
of Practice are available on request.