Wildlife Manager

National Trust for Places of Historic Interest or Natural Beauty; Keswick; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Substantial pension scheme up to 10%

Free entry to National Trust places

Rental deposit loan scheme

Season ticket loan

EV car lease scheme

Perks at work discounts

Holiday allowance up to 32 days + buy

Flexible working

Employee assistance programme

Free parking at most Trust places

Job summary

The National Trust is seeking a Wildlife Manager in the Lake District (Keswick). You will lead landscape-scale wildlife management, oversee deer, grey squirrel and mink programmes, and use ecological data to inform decisions.

Based at Bowe Barn with a 37.5 hour week, this fixed-term role runs to 28 February 2029. Salary £34,437 per annum. Interviews in early November; closing date 25 October 2026.

Qualifications

• Substantial experience in wildlife conservation or countryside management.
• Experience developing wildlife management programmes using ecological data.
• Ability to lead and coordinate staff, volunteers, or contractors.
• Strong relationship-building and influencing skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; able to present publicly.
• Good organisational skills with planning and safe working practices.
• Full, clean UK driving licence.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate deer, grey squirrel and mink management programmes across the Lake District.
• Use ecological evidence and monitoring data to assess wildlife populations and inform decisions.
• Collaborate with National Trust teams, landowners and partners on landscape-scale wildlife management.
• Line manage and support an Assistant Wildlife Manager.
• Coordinate stalkers, contractors and partners to deliver sustainable species management.

Skills

Wildlife conservation

Programme development

Leadership

Relationship-building

Staff/contractor management

Communication skills

Organisational skills

Driving licence (UK)

Job description

Fixed Term f/t (37.5 hrs pw to 28/02/29)

Keswick

654.3 km from undefined

Ends: Oct 25th

Ref: IRC179921

Wildlife Manager 34,437 pa

Summary

Ready to lead wildlife conservation at landscape scale in the Lake District? As Wildlife Manager, you'll use evidence-based approaches to manage wildlife populations, assess ecological impacts and deliver practical conservation action. From leading deer, grey squirrel and invasive predator management programmes to supporting species recovery and habitat restoration, you'll play a key role in creating sustainable outcomes that benefit both wildlife and people.

What it’s like to work here

The Lake District is England's largest National Park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to nationally important habitats, wildlife and landscapes. Reporting to the Tree & Woodland Manager, you'll join a team committed to delivering nature recovery at scale, working across property boundaries with colleagues, tenant farmers, landowners and conservation partners to achieve shared outcomes. You'll help develop and deliver landscape-scale approaches to wildlife management, working across boundaries to achieve nature recovery outcomes. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of wildlife management, restore habitats and deliver real-world biodiversity recovery in one of the UK's most iconic landscapes. This role is based at Bowe Barn, where you'll be expected to work at least two days per week, but you'll also regularly use office hubs across the Lake District as part of the role.

What you’ll be doing

You’ll lead and coordinate deer, grey squirrel and mink management programmes across the Lake District, delivering sustainable wildlife management that supports woodland expansion, habitat restoration and biodiversity recovery. Using ecological evidence and monitoring data, you’ll assess wildlife populations and their impacts, helping to inform management decisions and evaluate outcomes. Working with National Trust teams, tenant farmers, neighbouring landowners and conservation partners, you’ll champion collaborative, landscape-scale approaches to wildlife management. As a key source of expertise for wildlife management, you’ll build strong relationships, represent the National Trust in wildlife management partnerships and deliver expert management of our nature recovery ambitions across the Lake District. You’ll line manage and support an Assistant Wildlife Manager, providing leadership, coaching and technical expertise to help them develop and succeed in their role. Together, you’ll coordinate the work of National Trust stalkers, contractors and other partners to deliver safe, effective and sustainable species management programmes across the Lake District, supporting healthier, more resilient habitats.

Who we’re looking for

• Strong experience in wildlife conservation, wildlife management, countryside management or a closely related field.
• Experience developing and delivering wildlife management programmes, using ecological evidence and monitoring data to inform decisions and evaluate outcomes.
• A strong understanding of the challenges and opportunities involved in balancing conservation objectives across a working landscape.
• Strong relationship‑building skills, with the ability to work collaboratively and influence partners, landowners, communities and conservation organisations.
• Experience leading and coordinating staff, volunteers, partners or contractors to deliver shared conservation outcomes.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including public presentation.
• Good organisational skills and the ability to plan, prioritise and deliver work safely and effectively.
• A full, clean UK driving licence.

The package

The National Trust has the motto ‘For everyone, for ever’ at its heart. We’re working hard to create an inclusive culture, where everyone feels they belong. It’s important that our people reflect and represent the diversity of the communities and audiences we serve. We welcome and value difference, so when we say we’re for everyone, we want everyone to be welcome in our teams too.

Salary: £34,437 per annum Contract Duration: Fixed term until 28th February 2029 Working Hours: You will work 37.5 hours per week, including some evening and weekend work.

If you have any further questions about the role, please contact [e-mail].

Interviews will take place Tuesday 3rd November and will be held at Bowe Barn, Borrowdale Rd, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5UP.

• Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary
• Free entry to National Trust places for you, a guest and your children (under 18)
• Rental deposit loan scheme
• Season ticket loan
• EV car lease scheme (for roles that meet the salary criteria)
• Perks at work discounts such as gym memberships, shopping discount codes, cinema discounts
• Holiday allowance up to 32 days relating to length of service, plus holiday purchase scheme, subject to meeting minimum criteria.
• Flexible working whenever possible
• Employee assistance programme
• Free parking at most Trust places

National Trust place

Borrowdale, Bowe Barn, Keswick, CA12 5UP

Documents

• Wildlife Manager - Grade 7.pdf
• IRC179921 - Additional Information.pdf

Requirements

Compliance.Eligibility to Work in the UK

Additional information

Closing Date: 25 October 2026

Equal Opportunities Statement

The National Trust celebrates diversity and is committed to creating a fair and equal society, free from discrimination. You can read more about our commitment to inclusion and diversity here .

Safeguarding Statement

The National Trust is committed to a safe recruitment processes to help the organisation attract and appoint the right staff/volunteer for the role and responsibilities as set out in the vacancy advert. We will not accept applicants who are not suitable to work with children, young people or adults at risk. If you have any questions around your suitability for this vacancy, please contact the people service centre.