Senior Countryside Officer - Epsom & Ewell Borough Council

Countryside Classroom; Epsom; Hybrid; GBP 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Epsom & Ewell Borough Council is seeking a Senior Countryside Officer to lead biodiversity monitoring and habitat management across local nature reserves, including Epsom Common, Horton Country Park and Hogsmill Local Nature Reserves.

The role delivers management plans, conservation projects and improved public access, combining ecological expertise with leadership within a busy Countryside Team. Flexible hours include some evenings and weekends.

Qualifications

• Degree in Countryside Management, Ecology or related discipline; 3+ years of relevant experience.
• Experience supervising volunteers or project teams.
• Strong ecological survey and biodiversity monitoring skills.
• Experience writing habitat/site management plans and reports; GIS data handling.
• Knowledge of UK wildlife legislation; driving licence.
• Flexibility for evenings and weekends.

Responsibilities

• Lead biodiversity monitoring and ecological survey programmes.
• Help prepare and deliver management plans for Local Nature Reserves and Sites of Nature Conservation Importance.
• Supervise and develop teams of volunteers in monitoring and conservation work.
• Manage grazing projects and habitat management programmes; procure and supervise contractors.
• Support biodiversity considerations within planning and development processes.
• Develop and maintain partnerships with organisations and community groups.
• Secure and help deliver grant-funded projects; produce interpretive and educational materials.
• Deliver guided walks, talks and environmental education activities for diverse audiences.
• Assist with day-to-day operation of the Countryside Team office and reserve management.

Skills

Ecology knowledge

Volunteer supervision

GIS & data handling

Communication skills

Driving licence

Education

Degree in Countryside Management / Ecology

Tools

GIS software

Job description

Salary: £31363 pro rata
Location: Epsom & Ewell Borough Council
Contract: Permanent
Working Pattern: Evenings/Flexible Hours/Part Time/Weekends
Hours: 18 hours per week.
DBS Check: Enhanced
Closing Date: 01/11/2026 at 23:59
Reference: OS/26/346789

Are you an experienced countryside professional with a passion for biodiversity conservation, nature recovery and community engagement?

Epsom & Ewell Borough Council is seeking a knowledgeable and enthusiastic Senior Countryside Officer to play a leading role in the management and enhancement of biodiversity within our local nature reserves: Epsom Common, Horton Country Park and the Hogsmill Local Nature Reserves.

This is an exciting opportunity to help deliver the Council's biodiversity ambitions, le ecological monitoring programmes, supervise volunteers, develop partnerships and contribute directly to the conservation of some of Surrey's most valued green spaces.

About the Role

Working closely with the Countryside Manager and the wider Countryside Team, you will play a leading role in delivering biodiversity monitoring and habitat management across the

Borough's Local Nature Reserves. You will contribute to the development and implementation of site management plans and the Borough's Biodiversity Action Plan, while leading projects that enhance habitats, improve public access and enrich visitor experiences.

This diverse role combines strategic planning, ecological expertise and hands-on countryside management, offering the opportunity to make a tangible impact on nature recovery and

community engagement across the Borough. Where project requirements necessitate working outside normal hours, overtime payments may be available

Key responsibilities include:

• 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.

About You

We are looking for someone who combines strong ecological knowledge with excellent organisational and people-management skills.

Essential Requirements:

• A degree (or higher qualification) in Countryside Management, Ecology or a 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.
• The flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends.

Desirable Qualifications and Experience

• Membership of CIEEM or another relevant professional body.
• Protected species survey licences. Chainsaw qualifications.
• Current First Aid qualification.
• Experience of project management, contractor supervision and partnership development. Knowledge of planning policy and biodiversity requirements within the planning system.

Why Join Us?

This is a rare opportunity to make a tangible difference to wildlife conservation and public access across a nationally recognised network of local nature reserves.

You'll work in a supportive team environment at the heart of some of Surrey's most important natural landscapes, helping to deliver meaningful biodiversity outcomes while inspiringpeople to connect with nature.

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Sarah Clift: sclift@epsom- ewell.gov.uk

Advert end date: 01 November 2026

Interviews and assessments: W/C 09 November 2026