We have a fantastic opportunity for an experienced conservation land manager to lead the management of 900 ha of grazing marshes and estuarine habitats supporting more than 100,000 wintering waterbirds and 300 pairs of breeding waders, all set in the unique landscape of the Broads National Park.

What is the role about?

You will plan and lead the delivery of our management plan for Berney Marshes and Breydon Water, overseeing the effective and compliant delivery of all operations to deliver objectives for biodiversity, support and income/expenditure.

You will coordinate a large land management operation, which will include supporting grassland management on other Broadland reserves and providing practical support for RSPB work to enhance wet grassland habitats off-reserve.

You will manage and develop the reserve warden, assistant warden and any seasonal staff, and develop volunteering at the reserve.

As part of the small reserve team, you will need to get hands on to achieve the work programme, for example with tractor operations at the busiest times.

You will develop and manage medium/small projects, and you will be a part of project teams delivering large projects, often in partnership with other organisations, to achieve the reserves objectives.

You will work with the Senior Sites Manager and Broads management team to plan the deployment of staff, budgets and equipment across RSPB reserves in the Broads.

You will work actively with Area, Regional and HQ support and functionally specialist staff (eg land agents, reserve ecologists, Fundraising and Communications, Health, Safety & Environmental Management) to ensure delivery of site objectives.

You will work closely with statutory agencies, farming businesses, neighbours and communities on whose cooperation and support we depend upon to achieve our objectives in the farmed landscape.

You will lead the review of the management plan and development of objectives in response to challenges or opportunities such as changes in species priorities, climate, flood defence or farming policies.

What we need from you.

 Essential

• A track record of managing land for nature conservation objectives.
• Knowledge of conservation grazing, water and grassland management operations.
• A sound understanding of safety, cross-compliance and other land management risks.
• Ability to plan and prioritise a complex work programme.
• Experience of successfully managing land management projects.
• Relevant practical land and estate management skills including tractor operator competence.
• Wetland bird ecological knowledge and identification and survey skills
• Staff and team management experience.
• An ability to persuade and motivate a wide range of people, both internally and externally
• Experience of budget management, procurement and contract management.
• Competent IT user (e.g., MS packages, Outlook etc).
• A passion for working outdoors (in all weather conditions)
• An ability to work with others to innovate, develop and deliver solutions to ecological problems

Desirable

• Understanding of ecological requirements of key wet grassland species.
• A degree in a relevant subject.
• Predator control experience/skills.
• Knowledge and understanding of The Broads

This is a Permanent Full Time  role 37 hours per week.

If you require further information about this role please contact tim.strudwick@rspb.org.uk

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

.This role is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act1974.

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