Wildlife Manager

Forestry England; New Forest; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A conservation organization based in New Forest is seeking a Wildlife Manager to lead the New Forest Keeper team. The role includes overseeing wildlife operations, ensuring compliance and safety, and developing management strategies. Candidates should have experience in team leadership, wildlife management, and budget oversight, along with required qualifications in conservation. The position offers a benefits package, including a government pension scheme and opportunities for personal development.

Benefits

Government pension scheme

Flexible working

Career development opportunities

Qualifications

• Experience of leading a team with a collaborative approach.
• Experience in planning and supervising wildlife management operations.
• Experience in budget and contract management.
• Competence in IT with MS Office applications.

Responsibilities

• Lead the New Forest Keeper team and oversee wildlife management.
• Develop strategies and manage contracts for conservation projects.
• Ensure health and safety compliance in operations.
• Monitor KPIs and maintain stakeholder relationships.
• Deputise for the District Forester and drive improvements in wildlife operations.

Skills

Team leadership

Wildlife management

Health and safety compliance

Budget management

MS Office applications

Firearms use

Education

Higher level deer stalking certificate

Valid firearms certificate

Qualification in wildlife or conservation land management

Job description

Based in the New Forest

The Wildlife Manager leads the New Forest Keeper team, overseeing wildlife management and conservation projects to protect crops and habitats, with a focus on deer control and carcass processing. The role includes developing strategies, managing contracts and volunteers, ensuring health and safety compliance, and fostering an inclusive team culture. Key responsibilities involve planning, budgeting, monitoring KPIs, and maintaining stakeholder relationships. The position also supports leadership by deputising for the District Forester and driving continuous improvement across wildlife operations.

Essential Requirements

• Experience of leading a team, successfully demonstrating a collaborative approach to team working.
• Experience of planning and supervising wildlife management operations, and the ability to demonstrate a significant understanding of health and safety and compliance, the use of firearms, across wildlife management operations.
• Experience of budget management, and an understanding of and experience in contract management.
• Competence in IT with experience in the use of MS Office applications.
• A full drivers licence.
• Hold a higher level deer stalking certificate.
• Hold a valid firearms certificate.
• Hold a qualification in wildlife or conservation land management, such as BTEC National Diploma, BTEC HND or BSc degree or significant and equivalent experience in a wildlife or conservation land management role

We offer a benefits package including a government pension scheme and flexible working. We also provide personal and career development opportunities.

For further details about this role visit careersor click hereto apply now. If you have any questions, please contact [e-mail].