Countryside Manager

National Trust; East Lindsey; On-site; GBP 37,000; Full time

Job summary

A UK conservation organization is seeking a Countryside Manager for Gunby Hall in East Lindsey, offering a permanent full-time position. You will lead site management and strategic planning for conservation projects, working closely with local and national colleagues. Responsibilities include managing a team of Rangers and volunteers, and ensuring successful fundraising for high-quality environmental outcomes. Ideal candidates will have strong skills in nature management, partnership engagement, and project oversight.

Qualifications

• Sound knowledge and experience of nature conservation and outdoors site management.
• Experience in partnership working and stakeholder engagement.
• Ability to lead and support a team, setting strategic direction.

Responsibilities

• Lead teams in day-to-day site management and strategic planning.
• Manage a team of 4 Rangers, a Senior Gardener, and volunteers.
• Secure funding from public and private sources for conservation projects.

Skills

Nature conservation

Partnership working

Project Management

Budget management

Stakeholder engagement

Job description

Location: Gunby Hall, Gunby, Spilsby, PE23 5SS
Contract Type: Permanent, full time (37.5hrs per week)
Reference/IRC: IRC166733
Closing Date: 1st February 2026
Salary: £36,621 per annum

What it's like to work here

You’ll be part of a collaborative and creative leadership team, working with the General Manager and colleagues across the portfolio. Gunby is a historic estate with gardens, parkland, and tenanted farms, where you’ll lead partnership work to enhance its nature value. Sandilands is a developing wetland reserve on the East Coast Flyway, due to open fully in 2026. You’ll oversee its progress, ensuring it becomes a standout destination for wildlife and visitors.

What you'll be doing

You’ll lead your teams in day-to-day site management and strategic planning to improve access and deliver nature conservation projects. You’ll work with regional and national colleagues to shape and deliver a locally ambitious plan that supports national goals.

You’ll manage a team of 4 Rangers, a Senior Gardener and their team of 4, and around 50 volunteers. You’ll help secure funding from a mix of public and private sources to support high-quality nature outcomes. Some weekend, bank holiday and duty management work is required.

Who we're looking for

• sound knowledge and experience of nature conservation and outdoors site management
• experience and ability in partnership working and stakeholder engagement with ability to build and sustain strategic partnerships.
• ability to lead and support team, setting long-term strategic direction for nature and climate
• skilled in Project Management and budget management
• detailed understanding land use change, coastal nature restoration and coastal adaptation
• confidence in managing resources, compliance and working with contractors

Apply: IRC166733 - Countryside Manager