Site Manager — Lead Wetland Reserve & Visitor Experience

Web Recruit Ltd; Newtownards; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 47,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free entry to wetland centres

Contributory pension

Life Assurance

Job summary

WWT Castle Espie is seeking an outstanding Site Manager to lead the reserve on Strangford Lough. You will oversee staff and volunteers, deliver conservation, financial and visitor objectives, and maximise wildlife and habitat potential across the 26-hectare site.

The role requires leading a team, reviewing budgets and performance, engaging with visitors and partners, and maintaining high standards of site management. Full-time, 37.5 hours per week, five days from seven.

Qualifications

• A degree or equivalent level of education.
• Experience managing significant areas of land to achieve conservation objectives.
• Experience developing and implementing conservation management plans and work programmes.
• Proven general management experience, ideally within a visitor centre, nature reserve or attraction.
• Proven experience of managing significant budgets across multiple departments.
• Strong leadership and people-management skills, including recruitment, development, motivation and performance management.
• Ability to balance conservation, commercial, visitor and operational priorities.
• Willingness to obtain spraying, brush-cutting and tractor qualifications within the first three months after appointment.

Responsibilities

• Lead Castle Espie with staff and volunteers to deliver conservation, financial and visitor objectives.
• Maximise wildlife and habitat potential across the reserve and Strangford Lough areas under WWT care.
• Oversee budgets, performance, and development across departments.
• Maintain strong relationships with visitors, communities, partners and statutory organisations.
• Ensure high standards of site management and safety across all operations.

Skills

Leadership

People-management

Communication

Budgeting

Team development

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Degree or equivalent level of education

Tools

Spraying qualifications

Brush-cutting qualifications

Tractor operation qualifications

Job description

WWT Castle Espie is seeking an outstanding Site Manager to lead the reserve on Strangford Lough. You will oversee staff and volunteers, deliver conservation, financial and visitor objectives, and maximise wildlife and habitat potential across the 26-hectare site.

The role requires leading a team, reviewing budgets and performance, engaging with visitors and partners, and maintaining high standards of site management. Full-time, 37.5 hours per week, five days from seven.