Site Manager - RSPB

Countryside Classroom; England; Remote; GBP 40,000 - 43,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible Working

Competitive Pay

26 days annual leave + bank holidays

Job summary

RSPB Ham Wall is a flagship wetland reserve in the Avalon Marshes that welcomes over 70,000 visitors a year. Our Site Manager will lead a passionate team of staff and volunteers to deliver conservation excellence and outstanding visitor experiences, overseeing day-to-day operations and budgets.

You’ll work closely with RSPB colleagues and partner organisations, ensuring safe, compliant operations and sustainable income to support reserve priorities.

Qualifications

• Experience in land or habitat management.
• Experience supporting visitor operations.
• Clear and respectful communication skills.
• Ability to motivate and guide others, contributing to a supportive team culture.
• Ability to support project and budget delivery.
• Confidence using digital tools and systems incl GIS or willingness to learn new systems.

Responsibilities

• Manage day to day operations for habitats, species, people, visitors, finance and legal compliance.
• Inspire, lead and develop the dedicated team of 5 reserve staff and 100 volunteers.
• Be responsible for the review, update and implementation of the reserve management plan and business plan.
• Act as the main point of contact for the local community, neighbours, and partner organisations in order maintain good relationships.
• Enjoy the support of a very experienced local team, area manager, ecologists, a rural surveyor, safety advisor and other specialist RSPB staff.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Communication

Budget management

GIS

Tools

GIS

Job description

Site Manager

Reference: SEP20261796
Location: RSPB Ham Wall, Meare BA6
Terms: Permanent, Full-Time, 37.5 hours per week
Salary: £40,381.00 - £43,113.00 Per Annum

We’re looking for an inclusive, inspiring leader with proven experience in land management and visitor operations to manage RSPB Ham Wall - a flagship wetland reserve in the heart of the Avalon Marshes.

Ham Wall is one of the UK’s premier wetland sites, supporting bitterns, cranes, marsh harriers, otters, and stunning starling murmurations. At 264 hectares, it’s a cornerstone of the Somerset Wetlands National Nature Reserve, welcoming over 70,000 visitors a year and playing a vital role in nature recovery.

As Site Manager, you’ll lead a passionate team of staff and volunteers to deliver conservation excellence and outstanding visitor experiences. You’ll manage day-to-day operations, oversee budgets, drive income, and work closely with RSPB colleagues and partners across the wider landscape.

As Site Manager you will:

• Manage day to day operations for habitats, species, people, visitors, finance and legal compliance.
• Inspire, lead and develop the dedicated team of 5 reserve staff and 100 volunteers.
• Be responsible for the review, update and implementation of the reserve management plan and business plan.
• Act as the main point of contact for the local community, neighbours, and partner organisations in order maintain good relationships.
• Enjoy the support of a very experienced local team, area manager, ecologists, a rural surveyor, safety advisor and other specialist RSPB staff.

Benefits:

• Purposeful Work: Contribute directly to vital conservation efforts across the UK and beyond.
• Flexible Working: Flexible hours to support work-life balance.
• Competitive Pay: Fair salaries aligned with sector standards.
• Generous Leave: 26 days of annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing with service.
• Wellbeing Support: Access to an Employee Assistance Programme and wellbeing resources.
• Learning & Development: Continuous opportunities for professional growth and training.
• Inclusive Policies: Family-friendly policies, including enhanced parental leave.

Essentials:

• Understanding of species and habitat needs.
• Experience in land or habitat management.
• Experience supporting visitor operations.
• Awareness of health, safety and environmental compliance.
• Experience supporting staff or volunteers.
• Clear and respectful communication skills.
• Ability to motivate and guide others, contributing to a supportive team culture.
• Ability to support project and budget delivery.
• Ability to organise and prioritise work and deadlines.
• Confidence using digital tools and systems incl GIS or willingness to learn new systems.

Closing:

Monday, 19th October