Wetland Reserve Site Leader

Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust; Castle Espie; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

33 days annual leave

Free entry to wetland centres

Free car parking & bike storage

Cycle to work scheme

Contributory pension

Life Assurance

Job summary

Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust is seeking a Site Manager for Castle Espie, a 26-hectare wetland reserve. You will lead the on-site team, manage budgets, and drive conservation and visitor objectives to create a strong connection between visitors and wetlands.

The role requires substantial land-management experience, staff leadership and a track record in developing conservation plans, with a focus on a visitor-facing environment. Full-time, 37.5 hours/week.

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent level of education.
• Demonstrable experience of managing significant areas of land to achieve conservation objectives.
• Experience of developing and implementing conservation management plans and associated work programmes.
• Proven general management experience, ideally within a visitor centre, nature reserves and 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.
• Confidence communicating and developing relationships with visitors, communities, partners and statutory organisations.
• Willingness to obtain qualifications in spraying, brush-cutting and tractor operation within three months of appointment.

Responsibilities

• Lead Castle Espie with responsibility for conservation, finances and visitor objectives.
• Manage staff and volunteers; develop and implement work programmes and budgets.
• Maintain strong leadership presence on site and ensure excellent visitor welcome and engagement.
• Develop the site as a hub for wetland conservation and gateway to Strangford Lough.

Skills

Leadership

Conservation knowledge

Budget management

People management

Visitor-facing operations

Strategy and planning

Stakeholder communication

Spraying/brush-cutting/tractor quals

Education

Degree or equivalent level

Job description

Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust is seeking a Site Manager for Castle Espie, a 26-hectare wetland reserve. You will lead the on-site team, manage budgets, and drive conservation and visitor objectives to create a strong connection between visitors and wetlands.

The role requires substantial land-management experience, staff leadership and a track record in developing conservation plans, with a focus on a visitor-facing environment. Full-time, 37.5 hours/week.