Senior Reserves Officer – Staffordshire Moorlands

Staffordshire Wildlife Trust; Colwich; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

Staffordshire Wildlife Trust is seeking a Senior Reserves Officer to lead management of the Staffordshire Moorlands nature reserves, delivering nature recovery through habitat management, and to oversee staff, volunteers and contractors at the Wolseley Centre area.

Based mainly at the regional office near Leek, the role covers 11 sites leased from SMDC, working with local groups and the wider reserves team to boost biodiversity and engage communities in conservation.

Qualifications

• Experienced conservation professional to lead management of Staffordshire Moorlands reserves.
• Ability to lead staff, volunteers and contractors and build positive relationships with local groups and partners.
• Passionate about wildlife conservation with ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Lead management of the Staffordshire Moorlands reserves and 11 sites leased from SMDC.
• Provide leadership within the Reserves team and work with staff, volunteers and external partners.
• Deliver practical habitat management and communicate nature recovery to stakeholders.

Job description

Staffordshire Wildlife Trust are seeking a Senior Reserves Officer – Staffordshire Moorlands
The Wolseley Centre, Wolseley Bridge, ST17 0WT
Contract Type: Permanent
Salary: £26,250

We are looking for an experienced and motivated conservation professional to lead the management of our Staffordshire Moorlands nature reserves, helping to deliver nature recovery through practical habitat management. You will be confident leading staff, volunteers and contractors, with the ability to build positive relationships with local ‘friends-of’ groups, partners and stakeholders.

Most importantly, you will be passionate about wildlife conservation, able to work independently and as part of a team and committed to inspiring others to support a wilder future for Staffordshire.

About the Role.

The senior officer responsible for our Staffordshire Moorlands estate is a key role at SWT, providing leadership within our Reserves team, working alongside a team of expert delivery staff and volunteers, whilst developing future opportunities with colleagues and external partners to ensure that SWT’s work is continuously increasing nature’s diversity and abundance.

Based mainly at our regional office 4 miles from Leek, and with direct responsibility for our 11 sites in the Staffordshire Moorlands which are leased from Staffordshire Moorlands District Council (SMDC), the senior officer will work with the SMDC Assistant and local volunteer groups to manage these nature reserves. The post holder will also work with our wider nature reserves team across the county.

As a senior member of the Reserves team and Conservation departments within SWT, with a mixture of practical delivery, volunteer leadership and project management, the successful candidate will have a positive attitude, being good-spirited and committed. With knowledge and experience of working within the environmental sector the successful candidate will be motivated by having the opportunity to demonstrate that nature’s recovery is possible and driven to evidence to communicate this to a wide range of stakeholders.

About Us.

“Staffordshire Wildlife Trust protects and enhances the wildlife and wild places of Staffordshire and promotes understanding, enjoyment and involvement in the natural world.”

A registered charity established in 1969, we are one of 46 county Wildlife Trusts throughout the UK and are supported by over 19,500 members.

The Trust owns or manages 46 nature reserves covering an area of over 1900 hectares. We have around 130 staff, based in six locations around the county including our Headquarters at Wolseley Bridge, Stafford, with our work divided up into four departments: Conservation Delivery & Engagement, Fundraising and Development, HR & Support Services, and Resources. The Trust has a diverse workforce including site wardens, wildlife surveyors, community and education officers, catering, retail and administration.

In addition, we have a trading company which looks after the trading side of our business. This includes a café at The Wolseley Centre, a charity shop in Codsall, and a retail shop in the Wolseley Centre.

We’re Wild About Inclusion!

To us, this means inspiring, empowering and engaging people from all backgrounds, cultures, identities and abilities, to change the natural world for the better. It means creating workspaces where difference is celebrated, everyone can be themselves and flourish, just like nature.

Staffordshire Wildlife Trust is committed to keeping children and young people safe, you can see our policy here. Safeguarding and protecting our visitors, customers, members, staff and volunteers is the responsibility of every trustee, employee, and volunteer at Staffordshire Wildlife Trust. For applicable roles, applicants must be willing to undergo checks with past employers and Disclosure and Barring Service checks at the eligible level.

Disability Confident Employer.

As a Disability Confident accredited employer, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for vacancies. We particularly encourage applications from people who are underrepresented within our sector, including people from minority backgrounds and people with disabilities. We are committed to creating a movement that recognises and truly values individual differences and identities.

At SWT, we are committed to creating a safe environment where discrimination, bullying, and harassment are not tolerated. We expect everyone to uphold, respect, and support our zero-tolerance policy.

Please be aware we may not accept applications if we have reason to believe they have been wholly produced using generative AI tools

Staffordshire Wildlife Trust is a registered charity. Charity No: 259558.

Closing Date: Friday 20th November 2026

Interviews: Monday 7th November 2026