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Countryside Manager

NATIONAL TRUST

Spilsby

On-site

GBP 60,000 - 80,000

Full time

Today

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Job summary

A leading conservation organization is seeking a Countryside Manager to lead nature recovery efforts along the Lincolnshire Coast. You will manage a dedicated team, shape strategic plans, and create partnerships to enhance nature experiences. This role involves site management, conservation project delivery, and the cultivation of partnerships. The ideal candidate should have strong skills in nature conservation and project management, alongside a passion for wildlife and community engagement. Flexible working and generous holiday allowances are offered.

Benefits

Substantial pension scheme up to 10%

Free entry to National Trust places

Rental deposit loan scheme

Season ticket loan

EV car lease scheme

Perks at work discounts

Holiday allowance up to 32 days

Flexible working

Employee assistance programme

Free parking at most Trust places

Qualifications

Knowledge of nature conservation and outdoor site management is essential.
Experience in partnership working and stakeholder engagement is required.
Ability to lead and support a team is crucial.

Responsibilities

Lead teams in day-to-day site management and strategic planning.
Secure funding from various sources to support nature outcomes.
Oversee project progress ensuring it meets the standards.

Skills

Knowledge of nature conservation and outdoor site management

Experience in partnership working and stakeholder engagement

Ability to lead and support a team

Skills in project and budget management

Understanding of land use change and coastal nature restoration

Confidence in managing compliance and working with contractors

Important notice

In line with our redeployment policy, we’ll prioritise applications from National Trust employees who are under formal notice of redundancy.

We’re looking for a forward-thinking Countryside Manager to lead our nature recovery work across the Lincolnshire Coast, including Gunby Estate, Tattershall Castle, and our new coastal nature reserve at Sandilands.

This is an exciting time to join the National Trust as we deliver our strategy, People and Places Thriving, with a focus on restoring nature, improving access, and inspiring communities. The Lincolnshire Coast is a key area for this work.

You’ll lead a team of Rangers and Gardeners, working closely with internal specialists to deliver meaningful outcomes for nature. You’ll also build strong partnerships to support ambitious plans for nature recovery both on and beyond our land. Alongside this, you’ll help create high-quality outdoor experiences that connect people with nature.

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

Applications from National Trust redeployees are assessed against the minimum criteria for the role. In your application, please provide details of how you meet the minimum criteria below:

knowledge of nature conservation and outdoor site management

experience in partnership working and stakeholder engagement

ability to lead and support a team

skills in project and budget management

understanding of land use change and coastal nature restoration

confidence in managing compliance and working with contractors

Criteria for all other applicants are:

sound knowledge and experienceof nature conservation and outdoors site management

experience and ability inpartnership 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 managingresources, compliance and working with contractors

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.