Senior Biodiversity & Countryside Lead — Nature Reserves

Epsom & Ewell Borough Council; Epsom; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 34,000; Part time

Job summary

Epsom & Ewell Borough Council is seeking a Senior Countryside Officer to lead biodiversity monitoring and habitat management across local nature reserves, and to develop partnerships supporting conservation outcomes.

You will work with the Countryside Manager and team to deliver management plans, engage volunteers, and enhance visitor experiences while contributing to nature recovery across the Borough.

Qualifications

• Degree in Countryside Management, Ecology or related discipline.
• At least three years' relevant professional experience.
• Experience supervising volunteers or project teams.
• Strong skills in ecological survey work and biodiversity monitoring.
• Experience identifying and managing native flora and fauna.
• Experience writing habitat or site management plans and technical reports.
• Experience managing ecological data, databases and GIS systems.
• Knowledge of UK wildlife and habitat protection legislation.
• Experience organising and leading volunteer activities.
• Excellent communication, presentation and partnership‑working skills.
• A full UK driving licence.
• Flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends.

Responsibilities

• Leading biodiversity monitoring and ecological survey programmes.
• Helping to prepare and deliver management plans for Local Nature Reserves and Sites of Nature Conservation Importance.
• Supervising and developing teams of volunteers involved in biological monitoring and conservation work.
• Managing grazing projects and habitat management programmes.
• Procuring and supervising contractors delivering countryside management.
• Supporting biodiversity considerations within planning and development management processes.
• Developing and maintaining partnerships with organisations, community groups and conservation bodies.
• Securing and helping deliver grant‑funded and agri‑environment projects.
• Producing interpretation materials, web content and educational resources.
• Delivering guided walks, talks, events and environmental education activities for a wide range of audiences.
• Assisting with the day‑to‑day operation of the Countryside Team office and reserve management activities.

Skills

Ecological knowledge

Volunteer supervision

Partnership work

Communication skills

Planning & organisation

Driving licence

Education

Degree in Countryside Management / Ecology

Tools

GIS

Databases

Job description

Epsom & Ewell Borough Council is seeking a Senior Countryside Officer to lead biodiversity monitoring and habitat management across local nature reserves, and to develop partnerships supporting conservation outcomes.

You will work with the Countryside Manager and team to deliver management plans, engage volunteers, and enhance visitor experiences while contributing to nature recovery across the Borough.