Head of Conservation
Leicester
£42,500 per annum 

Our client is looking for a Head of Conservation to lead and shape their work to protect and restore wildlife. They need an experienced individual with energy, motivation, vision, and a strong track record in nature conservation and land management to take forward the Trust’s vision for a Living Landscape, rich in wildlife, valued and enjoyed by all.

As Head of Conservation you will have overall responsibility for driving the development and delivery of the Trust’s conservation strategy and work programmes across their nature reserves and in the wider countryside, to make Leicestershire and Rutland richer for wildlife and people. You will also play a key role in linking nature conservation with other Trust activities, including community engagement, fundraising, financial management and external relations.

Based at their headquarters building in Leicester, the Head of Conservation will provide direction and leadership to the Conservation Team of 16 staff and substantial volunteer support. You will have overall responsibility for day-to-day management, policy / project development and delivery, long-term planning, budgeting, and staff management.

The Conservation Team’s work covers:

Nature reserves: 

Management of 35 nature reserves covering 1,234 hectares and including 19 SSSIs, two NNRs and one SPA.  This nature reserve portfolio includes:

-Significant wetland creation sites, including Rutland Water Nature Reserve and 160 hectares of land alongside the River Soar 
-Ancient woodlands
-A large area of heathland within a 224 hectare site
-Important grasslands including former quarry sites of varied geology.

Wider Countryside: 

-Developing the Trust’s Living Landscape projects
-Providing advice on biodiversity and conservation
-Using advocacy and partnership working to influence local and national policies and practice.

The successful candidate will possess excellent leadership skills, have extensive knowledge of UK wildlife and its conservation requirements, experience of relevant policy and legislation, and a proven track record in land management, partnership working, project development and income generation.

You must be able to maintain high standards in conservation management, and have an enthusiasm to spearhead new initiatives in nature conservation, whilst also participating in the development of projects to increase public awareness and engagement that achieve a positive impact on biodiversity across the two counties.

If you have a high level of commitment to protecting and restoring the natural environment and its wildlife, and are keen to join a senior management team dedicated to taking the Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust forward, our client wants to hear from you!