The Senior Reserve Manager (SRM) holds a pivotal role in the comprehensive management and enhancement of National Nature Reserves (NNRs), actively promoting Nature Recovery in the broader landscape. The role demands an understanding of land management techniques, biodiversity conservation, and strategic planning combining technical expertise with practical land management knowledge. The Senior Reserve Manager collaborates with staff, volunteers, local communities, and partners, contributing to Nature England's Vision, Mission and Aims. The role will be actively involved in the wider Area Team leadership group, working alongside other Senior staff and Managers.
This Senior Reserve Manager is a site based role and will work with the Area Team to develop Risley, Holcroft and Chat Moss NNR along with key partners and their land holdings, including Natural England’s Moss Side Farm. Moss Side Farm is a recent NE acquisition of a 154 ha lowland peat farm along with associated farm infrastructure and buildings in the heart of the Manchester Mosslands SAC in Wigan and Salford. The role will also manage staff, volunteers and contractors at Rostherne Mere NNR. The SRM will work with key partners and Area Team colleagues including the Tatton Estate on enhancing and supporting this important Ramsar/NNR.
The role will lead the development and implementation of NNR work programs, aligning day-to-day management with a long-term nature recovery vision alongside partners within Great Manchester Wetlands partnership and for Rostherne Mere NNR. The role will be responsible for their own Health & Safety and of staff, visitors, volunteers and contractors on the reserves. They will line manage reserve staff, foster a positive working culture, provide financial management alongside working with colleagues to deliver Area Team priorities and strategic projects.
Key Tasks/Principal Accountabilities
- Oversee and support the management and enhancement of Rostherne Mere NNR.
- Lead the development of Moss Side Farm as a National Nature Reserve, working closely with the Area Team and national NNR colleagues using strong project management skills.
- Develop, review and deliver NNR management plans along with Area Team staff and partners and lead the development and implementation of NNR work programmes.
- Establish strong working relationships with partners and stakeholders for nature recovery opportunities.
- Manage budgets and seek external funding and income generating opportunities.
- Provide line management oversight for NNR staff within this cluster (Moss Side Farm and Rostherne Mere) fostering a positive working culture. This role will also play an active role in the Area Leadership Team.
- Support the development of a positive health and safety culture within the reserve team.
- Promote public access and engagement with the natural environment, balancing human needs with conservation objectives.
Knowledge, Skills & Experience
Applicants should have:
- A relevant degree in an environmental discipline/ conservation or significant practical experience of working in the environmental sector (Essential)
- A broad understanding of England’s biodiversity commitments along with knowledge of relevant European Directives, associated UK/England Regulations, including the legislation relating to Sites of Special Scientific Interest (Essential).
- Experience of managing habitats for nature recovery (Essential)
- Excellent project management skills and the ability to inspire, motivate and work in co-operation with others are essential (Essential)
- Competence in the use of IT, including ability to work with spreadsheets, databases & presentation packages (Desirable)
- The role will require travel to sites and meetings with partners. A driving licence is essential for the role.
The role will be site based at Moss Side Farm in the Cheshire to Lancashire Area.
Benefits
At Natural England, we support a healthy work-life balance by offering full-time, part-time, and flexible working arrangements.
We provide excellent opportunities for career progression, training, and development tailored to your role. This includes ten days annually for personal learning and development, plus three additional days for volunteering.
You’ll receive a generous leave allowance of 33 days per year (pro rata), access to the Civil Service Pension scheme with a 28.97% employer contribution, and a range of benefits such as shopping discounts and a cycle-to-work scheme. Staff can also join the Civil Service Sport club for discounts on sports, leisure activities, and social events.
We are committed to fairness, equality, and inclusivity. Our employee-led diversity networks help foster a welcoming environment where everyone feels valued and supported.
Pay
It is Natural England policy to employ at the entry point of the salary range.
Leadership
You will become an active member of the relevant local leadership community, the group of senior Natural England staff in each of the localities across England who we ask to provide support and co-ordination for the local group of staff.
How to Apply
We welcome and encourage applications from all communities. Natural England is accredited to the Disability Confident Scheme, which denotes organisations which have a positive attitude towards disabled people. Disabled applicants who meet the minimum requirements for the role at the shortlisting stage are guaranteed an invitation to interview.
If you require a reasonable adjustment at interview, or there is anything else you would like the panel to take into consideration, you should notify us of this at application stage where possible, or well in advance of your interview. We now provide primary interview questions in advance for all formal recruitments.
This vacancy uses competency-based assessment. We'll assess you against the competencies below during the selection process:
- Technical skills and knowledge
- Putting people at the heart of the environment
- Working safely
- Work delivery
When completing the application form you should present relevant examples using the STAR format. Give us an example of how you have demonstrated the competency (which can be work related or from another area of your life) and tell us about the Situation, the specific Task you had to undertake, the specific Actions you took, and the Result (both immediate and in a wider context) of your Action.
Please note that STAR format is not required when answering the Technical Skills & Knowledge competency.
Examples should be given in no more than 250 words for each competency.
If you are successful at the shortlisting stage, you will be invited to attend an interview via MS Teams or a suitable alternative, where you will be asked to give examples for all competencies as set out in the Job Description.
