AddressWe have a rare opportunity for an individual to play a key role in delivering a first-class, professional wildlife management service ensuring the ecological protection and enhancement of our countryside properties and helping us realise our nature recovery ambitions. From lethal and non-lethal control to supporting species recovery and re-introductions, this is an exciting chance to develop our approach at a landscape-scale.
We are currently undertaking our pay review process and it is likely that this salary will be increased from 1st April 2024
What it's like to work here:Day to day you will be working alongside a broader team of countryside staff playing a role in delivering our nature vision across our Somerset Coast & Countryside portfolio.
This large diverse land holding encompasses over 6500ha of land across Exmoor, Quantock Hills, Mendips and North Somerset Coast. You will be working across 4 protected landscapes with a significant proportion of the land designated for its wildlife and historic interest, and home to locally, nationally and internationally important species.
You will be working across a diverse range of landscapes from moorland to woodland, from coast to grassland engaging with a diverse range of stakeholders and managing an array of wildlife.
What you'll be doing:Based at either Fyne Court or our office on the Mendips hills, you will be responsible for a beat which covers part of the Quantocks, Mendip hills including Cheddar Gorge, and Brean Down. You will be working closely with the local Area Rangers to support their conservation plans with both lethal and non-lethal wildlife management. You will report to the Wildlife Manager and together will form a close-knit team to ensure wildlife management is delivered across the Somerset Coast and Countryside portfolio which also includes the Holnicote estate on Exmoor.
You will mostly work independently to an agreed set of objectives to ensure the highest standards for wildlife management across the portfolio.
Deer, grey squirrel and rabbit management will form the core elements of the role.
The management of the feral Goats and Soay Sheep on Cheddar Gorge will also be part of this role and you will be expected to develop the management of these species to meet the wider objectives of the area along with neighbouring landowners.
You will build and maintain strong professional relationships with a range of stakeholders including colleagues, local community, contractors, and neighbouring land/Wildlife Managers.
Working in a way that ensures compliance with relevant legislation and National Trust procedures you will assist in ensuring the wildlife populations across the property are in good health and support any species recovery and re-introduction initiatives.
You’ll also be responsible for helping with excellent communication of our conservation work to a wide range of audiences through events and guided walks.
- practical experience of conservation and land management, including farming and forestry practices with an understanding of associated wildlife management.
- experience in wildlife management, relevant food hygiene and processing.
- understanding of Wildlife and conservation associated law and licensing procedures.
- experience of using firearms for wildlife control in areas of high public access.
- knowledge of, or desire to learn ecology and wildlife biology field skills and survey techniques.
- deer Stalking Certificates 1 and 2 (or actively working towards DSC 2), including the Wild Game Meat Hygiene Certificate.
- have access to or desire to get within 6 months of starting a working dog capable of tracking to assist in recovery of wounded/injured deer.
- confident at working on your own including reactive decision making and dynamic risk assessments.
- good people skills enabling strong relationships internally and externally to be developed.
- sensitive to public opinion when delivering wildlife management plans.
- confident and competent user of IT including GIS.
The packageThe 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.
- Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary
- Free entry to National Trust places for you, a guest and your children (under 18)
- Tax-free childcare scheme
- Rental deposit loan scheme
- Season ticket loan
- Perks at work discounts such as gym memberships, shopping discount codes, cinema discounts
- Holiday allowance up to 32 days relating to length of service, plus holiday purchase scheme, subject to meeting minimum criteria.
- Flexible working whenever possible
- Employee assistance programme
- Free parking at most Trust places
- Independent financial advice
Requirements :Compliance.Eligibility to Work in the UK
Fixed Term f/t (37.5 hrs pw to 09/08/27)
