Project Officer

We’re looking for a dynamic and experienced Project Officer to help deliver an exciting nature conservation project in south Shropshire. The project area covers over 200km² and includes two major sites of conservation importance: the Long Mynd SSSI and the Stiperstones NNR.

Stepping Stones takes an innovative, landscape-scale approach to nature conservation, working primarily off National Trust land with a range of local partners and collaborators. The aim is ecological connectivity: connecting wildlife habitats by restoring or creating patches of habitat (‘stepping stones’) and wildlife corridors around the two core sites of the Stiperstones and Long Mynd.

There are three main strands to the project: working with farmers, working with the wider local community and volunteers, and direct nature conservation on 'stepping stones' sites owned by the National Trust and our partners.

After several years of successful delivery this is an exciting time for the project as we shape the future of the next phase of Stepping Stones.

You’ll build positive working relationships with the other members of the team – the Project Manager and Project Coordinator – and other colleagues. You’ll also work with external partners including farmers, Natural England, the Shropshire Hills National Landscape (formerly AONB) Partnership, Shropshire Wildlife Trust, and many local community groups. Importantly in this agricultural landscape we have the support of the Upper Onny Farmers Group, a group of local farmers with whom we work closely.

You’ll contribute to many different aspects including delivering packages of conservation work focused on the recovery of key local species, promoting the project, and the development of future funding bids. A key part of the role will be to lead the Stepping Stones volunteer group to deliver practical conservation tasks.

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

• A proven track record in project delivery and managing project budgets.
• Experience in the nature conservation sector and knowledge of conservation issues.
• Experience of leading, motivating and supervising volunteers.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including public presentation experience.
• Experience of building effective working relationships.
• Excellent organisational skills and ability to work well under pressure.
• Experience of relevant health and safety procedures and experience of undertaking risk assessments.
• You will need to hold a current driving license.