Countryside Manager

Job Description

Summary We have this exceptional opportunity for a Countryside Manager to lead our countryside team and shape our vision to deliver for nature and people. We have big ambitions to protect and enhance priority habitats across the portfolio and to playa significant role in restoring and establishing carbon-rich habitats through peatland restoration, tree planting and our ongoing woodland management. We also will be looking to make changes with our tenants that will benefit nature and engage with our localcommunities, sharing our work and offering a variety of ways for people to support us and get involved. The scale and diversity of the land we manage offers the opportunity to work at a landscape scale in partnership and beyond our boundaries. What itslike to work here The Dartmoor Portfolio is made up of a very diverse set of sitesCastle Drogo, a classic visitor business, Lydford Gorge, an outdoor pay-for-entry property, Finch Foundry, a small property celebrating industrial heritage and a range ofwild & explore countryside sites. The Dartmoor portfolio countryside sites cover just over 2,500 ha including many SSSi and SAC designations. Although our ownership of land within the National Park is only 5%, we look after some of the most characteristicparts of the National Park and aspire to influence beyond our boundaries for how Dartmoor will look in the future. What youll be doing As the Countryside Manager you will be leading the conservation, presentation, and experience of the outdoors. This comes with some hefty challenges. Youll work at a strategic level to lead and deliver our plans to protect and conserve the landscape,whilst balancing this with increasing demand from our supporters to access and enjoy the outdoors.Youll drive forward our ambition to improve the state of nature, helping to develop the land that we look after, making it better for nature where we can. We have an Estate Management Plan that has highlighted where we can make substantial gains for natureacross the properties and youll be responsible for refreshing this plan, delivering projects, and identifying new areas of opportunity.As well as this strategic approach, you will work on the ground with your geographically diverse and highly skilled team of 8 rangers supported by a large community of volunteers.Youll work in partnership with our neighbours and both internal and external stakeholders to deliver on our landscape-scale vision. This is a key leadership role in the Dartmoor portfolio, forming part of the leadership team and deputising for the GeneralManager at times. Who were looking for It is an exciting time, and this is a challenging role so requires an ambitious and inspiring individual to lead our countryside team and shape our vision to deliver for nature and people.

• Ambitious and driven, youre someone wholl enhance and promote the conservation objectives of the National Trust, whilst ensuring that commercial objectives and creating great outdoor experiences also remain important to decision making.
• Innovative and creative, able to work collaboratively to make things happen, while inspiring everyone around you.
• A self-starter with presence and authority, youll understand nature conservation, public access, and the heritage sector.
• Significant experience in conservation and land management (especially, peatland, heathland and/or woodland habitats) with a track record of handling complex and sometimes controversial issues.
• Proven experience of managing a diverse and geographically dispersed team
• Able to demonstrate where you have delivered change and results across a demanding agenda.
• Confident managing operating and project budgets (£100k+)
• Ability to influence their colleagues, partners, and stakeholders, both internal and external to drive results

The package The National Trust has the motto For everyone, for ever at its heart. Were working hard to create an inclusive culture, where everyone feels they belong. Its important that our people reflect and represent the diversity of the communities and audienceswe serve. We welcome and value difference, so when we say were for everyone, we want everyone to be welcome in our teams too.Wherever youre from, and whatever your background, we want to hear from youand it doesnt matter if youre jam first, cream first, or even if you dont like scones at all. Everyone is welcome.Benefits for working at the National Trust include:

• Flexible working whenever possible

• Free parking at most locations

• Free entry to our properties for you, a guest and your children (under 18)

• Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary

Click here to find out moreabout the benefits we offer to support you.