4156 - National Nature Reserve Manager – North & West Norfolk

Natural England are seeking organised and committed individuals who can work as part of our National Nature Reserve’s (NNR) team in North & West Norfolk. The Reserve Manager role is a broad equivalent to roles such as Reserve Warden in RSPB, or a Reserve Officer in the Wildlife Trusts.

We’re looking for Reserve Manager to join the existing team, contributing to the day-to day management of our National Nature Reserves in the North & West Norfolk NNR Group. (Dersingham Bog, Swanton Novers, Scolt Head Island, The Wash Holkham (foreshore) and Paston Barn NNR’s) The role will involve working alongside fellow Reserve Managers to deliver NNR management plan aims and supporting the vision that the Senior Reserve Manager sets out for that group. 

This post will focus on leading practical conservation work on our reserves, carrying out survey and monitoring tasks, engaging with visitors, and supervising volunteers.

The job requires a combination of technical and practical land management knowledge and experience and a well-developed understanding of the ecology and management of relevant habitats – with an understanding of SSSI condition and an awareness of the contribution required to support the delivery of the 25 Year Environment Plan and our vision of “Thriving nature for people and planet”. With an emphasis on the ability to build and maintain productive relationships with volunteers, local communities, partners, and landowners to contribute to our mission to “Build partnerships for nature’s recovery”.

The successful candidates will contribute to the work of our team through covering tasks in the following areas:

• Leading on aspects of the day-to-day NNR management activities under the guidance of the Senior Reserve Manager, understanding how to apply appropriate management techniques to ensure the habitats on site are maintained or enhanced to a favourable SSSI condition,
• Work with Senior Reserve Manager to manage NNR budgets and ensure they are spent appropriately,
• Design and deliver work programmes through the use of staff, contractors and volunteers.
• Undertake survey and monitoring tasks, and guide others to support this work. Ensure key records and systems required for the NNRs are being maintained, especially regarding input to our Conservation Management System (CMSi),
• Follow Health & Safety (H&S) procedures fully for yourself and ensure other users (contractors, visitors, and volunteers etc.) receive appropriate H&S guidance,
• Support existing partnerships and identify opportunities for further joint working with partners on specific NNR sites. Assist with our wider team ambitions for NNRs to be at the heart of the Nature Recovery Network in the surrounding landscape.
• Assisting programme of engagement on our NNRs, including the delivery of events, the use of social media, and identifying opportunities to support ambitions of colleagues delivering our Connecting People with Nature ambition.
• Lead volunteer groups and look for opportunities to expand volunteer resource and community engagement opportunities
  

Additional information

• Out of hours/on call work maybe required

How to apply

We will assess you against the competencies below during the selection process. When completing the application form you should present relevant examples using the STAR format. STAR stands for:

• Situation
• Task
• Action
• Result

Examples should be given in no more than 250 words for each competency. Please ensure you read the Candidate Information Pack before you begin completing the application form. Please note STAR format is not required for the ‘Technical Skills and Knowledge’ competency.

We are the Government’s statutory advisor for the natural environment, playing a vital role in delivering the Government’s 25 Year Environment Plan. This describes an ambitious vision, bringing new opportunities to protect and enhance, and to achieve real outcomes for the environment.

At Natural England, we love what we do. We’re here to make sure people and nature can thrive. A healthy natural environment is fundamental to our wellbeing, prosperity and happiness – that’s why we collaborate with scientists, lawyers, project managers and experts to implement environmental policy and shape decisions.

We work with a wide range of partners, stakeholders, and customers on a huge range of projects, from influencing construction, advising farmers and landowners how they can manage their land in a sustainable way for the benefit of the environment, gathering and analysing environmental data, and carrying out vital statutory duties. Across the country, we’re helping nature to support people and our planet.

We are focusing our efforts on six key programmes:

• Greener Farming and Fisheries – supporting those who manage land and sea to operate in harmony with the environment

• Sustainable Development – creating great places for people to live and work

• Connecting People with Nature - promoting health and wellbeing through the great outdoors

• Resilient Landscapes and Seas – protecting and restoring wildlife and natural beauty for future generations

• Specialist Science and Evidence - an evidence-led organisation that is driven by science

• Managing the Organisation – gathering business data to enable decision making

Natural England staff are inclusive, motivated, and ambitious to achieve results for our environment, for everyone. We welcome and encourage applications from all communities, and we operate a guaranteed interview scheme for disabled applicants who meet the minimum requirements for the role.

Wherever possible Natural England accommodates requests for both full-time and part-time hours and other flexible working patterns to help employees achieve a good work/life balance and maintain their health and wellbeing.

From induction to ongoing learning and development, everyone in Natural England is supported to develop their skills and capabilities. Where appropriate there will be offers of training under our apprenticeship schemes.

See more about the work of Natural England at: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/natural-england

Contact details:

Contact: Thomas Bolderstone - Senior Reserve Manager – Northwest Norfolk NNR’s

Email: Thomas.bolderstone@naturalengland.org.uk

Telephone: 07899901559