Countryside Manager

Summary

We’re looking for a dynamic and forward-thinking Countryside Manager to lead the delivery of the Land, Outdoors and Nature Strategy across the National Trust’s ecologically rich and diverse ownership in the Shropshire Hills and at Benthall Hall, which extends to almost 7,000 acres. With extensive knowledge and experience of countryside management, you’ll lead a ranger team and work with project teams and partners to deliver an exciting and ambitious programme of habitat management and restoration. You'll collaborate with internal colleagues, farm and residential tenants, regional and national land and nature partners, including the Longmynd Commoners Association, to restore nature and build a resilient and sustainable environment.

You’ll help people to understand, connect with and enjoy our landscapes, wildlife, and cultural heritage, making everyone welcome.

What it's like to work here

Conservation, climate action, and welcoming everyone, are at the heart of what we do. The team is ambitious, creative, and collaborative.

You'll work in a busy environment, based in Carding Mill Valley which welcomes more than 250,000 visitor per year. You’ll be able to access knowledge and guidance from the portfolio and property teams, as well as our specialists. As an integral part of a motivated and enthusiastic group of people, you’ll play a key part in helping us deliver our goals. There is scope and opportunities to develop within the role, which will help grow your knowledge and confidence.

What you'll be doing

You’ll combine day-to-day team management with strategic work, improving access, delivering nature conservation projects, building effective and collaborative working relationships with partners, and engaging with our outdoor visitors. You'll manage a team of four rangers and around 100 volunteers.

As a key part of the South Shropshire Leadership Team, you'll work alongside other departments and teams to develop landscape-wide strategies and long-term planning for our future.

A large part of this role will involve working with partner organisations and local communities to deliver landscape-scale projects. Covering an area of 200km², Stepping Stones is a nature conservation project in the Shropshire Hills which aims to restore habitat connectivity between the Long Mynd and the Stiperstones.

You'll have the satisfaction of helping to look after complex habitats including upland heath, acid grassland, ancient semi natural woodland, limestone grassland, veteran trees, and old parkland.

Some weekend and bank holiday working are required, around one weekend per month.

Who we're looking for

We'd love to hear from you if you have:

• strong understanding of nature conservation, common land, and public land management/land use change.
• project and budget management skills.
• ability to lead a diverse team.
• ability to demonstrate where you’ve delivered change and results.
• effective negotiating, influencing and communication skills.
• strong partnership working and the ability to demonstrate resilience.
• outstanding service, engagement, and people skills. 
• desire to make a difference, show initiative, and work towards a sustainable future.

The package

The 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 i.e. 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 locations

• Independent financial advice

Click here to find out more about the benefits we offer to support you.