Senior Reserves Officer

Shropshire Wildlife Trust; Shrewsbury; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

A local conservation organization in Shrewsbury is seeking a Senior Reserves Officer to manage its nature reserves effectively. The role involves habitat management, engaging local communities, and overseeing volunteers and contractors. Applicants should have experience in wildlife project management and a strong passion for nature. A UK Driving Licence is essential. The position offers a competitive salary, generous pension contributions, and various employee benefits, contributing to an inclusive work environment.

Benefits

25 days holiday plus Bank Holidays

Salary sacrifice benefits

Life assurance

Enhanced Sick Pay

Flexible working policy

Employee Assistance Programme

Staff discounts

Coaching support for career development

Qualifications

• Experience of engaging local communities and hard-to-reach groups.
• Experience managing projects for wildlife, including budget management.
• UK Driving Licence required.

Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver habitat management and monitoring.
• Work closely with the Head of Reserves.
• Mentor and direct volunteers and contractors.

Skills

Habitat and estate management

Wildlife project management

Mentoring or coaching

Passion for wildlife and nature

Working with diverse groups

Managing and motivating volunteer groups

Supervising contractors

Job description

£32,888 pa + 7% pension contribution
Shrewsbury, Shropshire
1 x full time, permanent
1 x full time, maternity cover - starting date of 1 April 2026 (expected 9 months)

Closing date 12noon on 26th January
Interviews will be held in February

We’re looking for two people to take a leading role in the management of our nature reserves, to help us maintain them in good ecological condition and develop them as safe & inspiring places for public access, education, research and demonstration. As Senior Reserves Officer, you’ll work closely with the Head of Reserves to plan and deliver habitat management and monitoring on your allocated sites, particularly through volunteers, graziers and contractors.

For the permanent role, we are keen to hear from those who have experience of engaging local communities and particularly hard‑to‑reach groups to access green spaces and nature reserves.

What you will bring to the role:

• Experience of habitat and estate management including inspections, planning and directing work
• Experience of managing projects for wildlife, including budget management
• Experience of supporting & directing colleagues, such as a mentoring or coaching role
• A passion for wildlife & nature
• A personable manner and the ability to work with a wide range of people
• Previous experience of managing and motivating volunteer groups
• Previous experience of supervision of contractors

Due to the nature of the role a UK Driving Licence is required.

The Trust is committed to building an equal, diverse and inclusive workforce we encourage applications from a diverse range of suitably qualified candidates. Please let us know if you require any adjustments to make our recruitment process more accessible.

Why work for us - benefits we offer:

• 25 days holiday plus Bank Holidays and Service related holiday (pro‑rated for part time staff)
• Salary sacrifice benefits
• Life assurance
• Generous pension – company contribution 7%, employee contribution 3%
• Enhanced Sick Pay
• Flexible working policy
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Staff discounts
• Employee away days
• Enhanced pay for maternity and adoption leave
• Coaching
• Support with training and development to assist career progression
• Inclusive & supportive work atmosphere

Safeguarding:

Shropshire Wildlife Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk. For applicable roles, applicants must be willing to undergo reference checks with past employers and Disclosure and Barring Service checks at the appropriate level.

No enquiries from agencies or for further advertising will be taken.

About us:

Shropshire Wildlife Trust (SWT) has a vision of a thriving natural world, where Shropshire’s wildlife and natural habitats play a valued role in addressing the climate and ecological emergencies, and people are inspired and empowered to take action for nature. We combine projects across Shropshire (including Telford & Wrekin) with advocacy and campaigning to restore nature and to engage people. We manage over 40 nature reserves and have almost 50 staff, 300 volunteers, and over 9 000 members. SWT is an autonomous charity, but we are increasingly working collectively, as part of The Wildlife Trusts (TWT), to ensure that our local actions have a national impact and help to address global issues.

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