Reserve Manager - Parsonage Down NNR(Ref: 5837)

Do you have a passion for nature and the environment? Do you want to make a real difference and secure significant environmental gains in the present and the future? Do you enjoy working in a team? Can you see yourself advising communities and customers to maximise gains for the Natural Environment?
If this appeals to you, a career at Natural England offers rewarding opportunities to secure environmental improvements and play your part in creating a better future for people and nature.
We are seeking a motivated and passionate Reserve Manager to work as part of our Parsonage Down National Nature Reserve (NNR) team. The NNR is 285Ha in total, 185Ha of which are SSSI chalk grassland. The remaining 100Ha is non SSSI farmland that supports a nature based sustainable farming system.
You will be working alongside our Parsonage Down Farm Manager and Stockperson. You will be line managed by our Wiltshire Senior Reserve Manager (SRM). The Reserve Manager will be responsible for habitat management on the SSSI, working with the Farm Manager to maintaining appropriate stocking densities and timings to deliver the management plan objectives.
The role is based within the 'Wessex Area Team' covering the counties; Somerset, Avon, Wiltshire and Dorset responsible for delivering environmental outcomes. The team draws on a range of tools including land management and planning advice, engagement with stakeholders and direct management of our own land, to progress our nature recovery ambitions across Wiltshire.
Job description 1
Role description
+ Delivery of the established NNR Management Plan work programme.
+ Lead delivery of practical works on site infrastructure (e.g. fencing) and habitat management (e.g. scrub clearance, tree planting)
+ Monitor grazing management of the SSSI chalk grassland to ensure it is delivering the NNR management plan objectives.
+ Co-ordinate the delivery of the survey and monitoring programme e.g. botanical and invertebrate surveys
+ Manage NNR contracts within allocated budgets e.g. major site infrastructure, habitat works or tree safety.
+ Lead the weekly volunteer team in delivering practical tasks on the NNR.
+ Lead development of volunteering opportunities and engagement with the local community that supports the NNR’s objectives for “Connecting People with Nature”
+ Lead on NE’s H&S responsibilities for tree safety and site infrastructure on the NNR. Assist with built infrastructure, machinery maintenance, vehicle checks etc. and undertake timely H&S reporting.
+ Supervise contractors, volunteers and apprentices as required.
+ Assist SRM in developing partnerships for landscape scale connectivity of the NNR.
+ Ensure Natural England complies with the terms of its leases, agreements, licences, and responsibilities as a landowner relating to NNR operations e.g. Open Access legislation.
+ Support the Farm Manager with livestock husbandry of cattle and sheep including calving, cattle handling, and stock checks.
+ Support the Farm Manager with daily farm tasks e.g. feeding, bedding up, hay making, topping etc.
Additional information
A driving licence is essential for the role.
Some occasional out of hours work may be required., 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.
This vacancy uses competency-based assessment. We'll assess you against the competencies below during the selection process:
+ Technical skills and knowledge
+ Working safely
+ Work delivery
+ Creating resilient landscapes
+ Putting people at the heart of the environment
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 doing so.
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 five competencies as set out in the Job Description.
Competencies
Competence 1
Professional competency
Detail
. Technical skills and knowledge, + Apply the principles of risk management and adopt safe working practices for yourself and the people you work with into everything you do - basic
• Understand the duty of care owed to all visitors, contractors or others on our NNRs, and adhere to appropriate legislation and Natural England policies and procedures - basic
Competence 3
Professional competency
Detail
1. Work delivery, + Manage and deliver your work to meet agreed targets and deadlines – basic
Competence 4
Professional competency
Detail
1. Creating resilient landscapes
Description
+ Recognise, identify and interpret environmental features on NNRs - practitioner
• Understand and apply appropriate management techniques to maintain or enhance the condition of sites – practitioner
Competence 5
Professional competency
Detail
1. Putting people at the heart of the environment, + Understand the importance of people accessing and engaging with the natural environment, and how to balance their needs with nature conservation objectives. - basic

• Practical skills maintaining site infrastructure e.g. fencing, water supplies, access tracks, gates and signage. – Essential
• Engaging and motivating volunteers and communities. – Essential
• Experience of using machinery and undertaking basic maintenance. Any of tractor, telehandler, sit astride ATV, sit in ATV, brush cutter or chainsaw would be beneficial. – Desirable
• Managing contracts, drafting specifications, and supervising contractors – Desirable
• Species ID skills, survey, and monitoring experience – Desirable
• Livestock experience – cattle and sheep - Desirable
Competence 2
Professional competency
Detail
1. Working safely, Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Wherever possible Natural England accommodates requests for both full-time and part-time hours and other flexible working patterns to help employees achieve a good work/life balance and maintain their health and wellbeing.
Natural England provides excellent opportunities for career progression, training and development tailored to your role. From induction to ongoing learning and development, everyone in Natural England is supported to develop their skills and capabilities. Everyone has 10 days to devote to personal learning and development, as well as an additional 3 days to volunteer.
You will have access to Civil Service Pension and benefits arrangements and generous leave allowances (33 day per year pro rata), as well as flexible working, to help you achieve a work-life balance that works for you and us.
You will have access to a range of benefits including discounts on shopping vouchers, cycle to work scheme, and childcare vouchers. You can also join the Civil Service Sport club which offer discounts on a range of sports and leisure opportunities as well as social events.
Natural England is a fantastic place to work, where difference is celebrated.
We’re committed to fairness and equality for all, so you feel valued for who you are and what you do. Our shared values help us work together to benefit the communities we serve. Our thriving employee-led diversity networks support our inclusive culture and contribute to our Diversity Action Plan
Pay
It is Natural England policy to employ at the entry point of the salary range.
Natural England is undertaking a review of its current Staff Framework to ensure that it continues to be fit for purpose for the future and able to deliver its ambitions as an organisation. It will enable us to attract, retain, and grow our people to deliver our ambitious mission to build partnerships for nature recovery and provide enriching careers for our people. Role responsibilities will not change as a result of the review, but all roles will be assessed against the new Staff Framework and will be aligned to one of the new 3 Job Families (Shaping, Enabling and Delivering)., Alongside your salary of £29,318, Natural England contributes £7,945 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.
+ Learning and development tailored to your role
+ An environment with flexible working options
+ A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
+ A Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 27%