Conservation Project Manager

We’re looking for a Conservation Project Manager who can support our reserves team to deliver a programme of nature conservation capital works alongside our day-to-day habitat management.

We have big ambitions for St Aidan’s Nature Park and Fairburn Ings Nature Reserve, supporting the recovery of habitats and species populations, adaptation to climate change and sustainable land management. We want the Aire Valley to deliver more for nature and people. 

With knowledge of nature Conservation Project management and delivery, you will have the experience to deliver large-scale change through an ambitious programme of capital works. To do this, you will work with the Senior Sites Manager and Warden teams across the Aire Valley to develop and deliver project-based capital works with external contractors. You’ll collaborate with the RSPB’s regional and national experts to deliver grant funded projects following our project management framework. And you’ll seeking out funding opportunities for reserve needs, by producing business cases, project plans, and working with internal consultants to secure grants and funding opportunities. With confidence in contractor management and budget management experience, you will ensure nature Conservation Projects and contracts are delivered on time and to budget. 

As Conservation Project Manager, you will be an essential member of the Aire Valley leadership team, you’ll work alongside colleagues in this team to deliver the RSPB’s strategic ambitions at a reserve level. You’ll help define the future of the sites you look after. Working cohesively the Senior Sites Manager, Wardens and ecological consultants you will support the development of new agri-environment schemes including a capital works programme, as well as supporting the creation of the sites land management plans and visions for the next 5 years and beyond. 

You will manage the appointment of external contractors and the on-site supervision of works through the delivery stage, ensuring the high standards set by the RSPB are achieved. 

As the Conservation Project Manager for the Aire Valley, you’ll have the satisfaction of playing a key role in the development of the ecological success of two very different sites to deliver measurable conservation targets, whilst ensuring best practice for health and safety, compliance, and project management. 

Essential skills, knowledge, & experience: 

· Good knowledge of land management for nature conservation and relevant legislation.

· Experienced in managing and delivering projects.

· Demonstratable leadership ability, able to lead without line management authority.

· Proven time management and organisational skills

· Experienced in budget management with understanding of grant claims and agri-environment schemes.

· Familiar in working with project management frameworks to deliver habitat conservation capital works.

· An excellent communicator and collaborative worker.

· Ability to write reports in a timely manner, make clear and firm recommendations to managers.

· Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to find creative solutions.

· Ability to work under pressure and adapt to changing circumstances.

· Good knowledge of relevant health & safety and legal compliance.

· A suitable licence allowing you to drive a vehicle on UK public roads.

Additional information: 

· Some weekend, evening, early morning, and bank holiday working may be required.

· This is an on-site based role, working across two separate locations. Some home working can be considered.

· You will be required to travel between the two sites, there is no public transport to Fairburn Ings Nature Reserve.

· This role will involve lone working. 

This is a fixed-ferm role for 3 years, full-time for 37.5 hours per week. The RSPB reserves the right to extend or make this role permanent without further advertising dependent on business needs at the end of the contract term. 

We are looking to conduct interviews for this position from week commencing 11 March 2024. For further information please contact tom.harman@rspb.org.uk. 

As part of this application process you will be asked to complete an application form including evidence on how you meet the skills, knowledge, and experience listed above. 

We are committed to developing an inclusive and diverse RSPB, in which everyone feels supported, valued, and able to be their full selves. To achieve our vision of creating a world richer in nature, we need more people, and more diverse people, on nature’s side. People of colour and disabled people are currently underrepresented across the environment, climate, sustainability, and conservation sector. If you identify as a person of colour and/or disabled, we are particularly interested in receiving your application. Contact us to discuss any additional support you may need to complete your application. 

The RSPB is an equal opportunities employer. This role is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. 

This role is not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship - the successful applicant will need to have a pre-existing Right to Work in the UK in order to be offered an employment contract. 

Before applying for this role, we recommend reading through the candidate guidance notes attached to the top of this advert.