Skiddaw Forest Project Manager

Skiddaw Forest Project Manager

Closing date:
Salary: £33,960 per annum, plus pension contribution of 9% based on a 35 hour week.
Contract type: Permanent / Working hours: Full time
Plumgarths or Gosling Sike , At our offices in, Kendal or Carlisle, Cumbria

Hen harrier © Mark Hamblin 2020VISION

Cumbria Wildlife Trust has the chance to create a huge nature reserve at Skiddaw Forest thanks to the incredible help from our funders, members and supporters. As part of our plans, we are now recruiting for a passionate, dedicated and knowledgeable Project Manager to help lead and develop this ambitious Project.

The development of Skiddaw Forest presents an unparalleled opportunity to put nature firmly into recovery on a vast scale. Our ideal applicant will have previous experience as a Nature Reserves Manager, with a specialism in upland habitat re-creation and restoration, plus the drive and vision to turn our aspirations into reality.

Skiddaw Forest Project Manager

Salary: £33,960  per annum, plus 9% pension contributions

We are looking for a practical conservationist with a passion for upland habitat re-creation and restoration. You will take forward our incredibly ambitious and visionary project across our new 1200ha Nature Reserve, Skiddaw Forest, in the heart of the Lake District.

The successful candidate will drive our vision to make Skiddaw Forest a special place for wildlife by restoring 400ha of upland peatland, recreating nearly 300ha of Atlantic rainforest and re-establishing 50ha of missing montane scrub.

You will be an experienced Nature Reserve manager, well versed in the requirements of upland, montane habitats, and will be able to communicate our vision to numerous audiences. We are looking for a resilient, self-reliant and self-motivated individual to foster and nurture relationships with a wide range of partners, stakeholders and volunteers.

The role:

The postholder will lead the development and management of the Trust’s relationships and partnerships at Skiddaw Forest.  This will involve working with a broad range of partner organisations, local farmers and commoners, neighbouring landowners, the local and wider community, recreational users and their representative groups.  Key partners for whom the post holder will be the main point of contact for Skiddaw Forest will include:  Commoners Associations, The Skiddaw House Foundation, Natural England, Forestry Commission, Lake District National Park Authority, local Parish and Town Councils, Cumberland Council, neighbouring landowners and farmers, fell running clubs, ramblers and local residents. 

Main responsibilities:

  • Create a Wilder Skiddaw Forest by developing a Nature Reserve Management plan which includes plans for peatland recovery, species recovery and woodland and montane scrub creation.
  • Lead and manage all allocated project staff, placements and volunteers.
  • Involve people in all aspects of the project including through volunteering, as individuals, or working in partnership with others.
  • Foster and promote excellent communications and connectivity between external partners and local communities.
  • Implementing site risk assessment, for all activities and liaise with regulators to ensure all consents and permissions are in place.
  • Establish baseline surveys and monitoring of all aspects of Skiddaw Forest including species, habitats and features of geological and geomorphological interest.

A full UK driving licence is essential and this role will be subject to reference checks. The role will largely be based at Skiddaw Forest.

Completed application forms should be returned with a separate cover letter as an attachment outlining the candidate's suitability for the post and emailed to admin@cumbriawildlifetrust.org.uk.

Postal applications can be sent to Claire Shepherd, HR Manager, Cumbria Wildlife Trust, Plumgarths, Crook Road, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 8LX

Please note: CV's will not be considered.

The closing date for applications is 9 am on Monday 4 November 2024.

First interviews will be held on Monday 11 November 2024 at our Headquarters in Kendal. Second interviews will be held on  Tuesday 19 November 2024.

Expected start date: January 2025.

Only short listed candidates will be contacted. If you have not heard anything within 14 days of the closing date, please assume your application has not been successful.

Cumbria Wildlife Trust is devoted to the conservation of the wildlife and wild places of Cumbria.

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