Site Manager

Most of Therfield Heath forms most a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) cited for its chalk grassland flora and invertebrates. It is most famous for having one of the three largest colonies of Pasque Flowers in the UK and its Chalkhill Blue Butterflies, but many other species are present. However, the role is not just about conservation as the land is also common land so enabling recreation is also important. The site has a golf course, horse racing gallops and sports pitches and is heavily used by the public for walking, running and dog exercising. Diplomatically balancing conservation and recreation is the crux of the role.

The role is responsible for delivering all of the management across the site. This will be done by commissioning, monitoring and encouraging contractors, stintholders, tenants and volunteers. You will be responsible for delivering the current Habitat Management Plan (2021-26) and any projects or grants, such as Countryside Stewardship, obtained. You will be responsible for liaising the Natural England, Historic England and the Planning Inspectorate and making sure necessary permissions for work is obtained in advance. You will also develop management plans for the other Greens, and with the tenants an Asset management plan for structures on site and work towards the next Habitat Management Plan for the SSSI.

The roles will also lead on outreach work with the community which may include talks to community groups, hosting school visits and engaging with the public on site through signage, social media, print articles and dialogue in person.

You'll often be leading projects and working on your own, so you will need to be enthusiastic, have loads of initiative, be diplomatic and able to balance conflicting opinions and demands. We expect the post holder to live close to Royston and be on site most days, including some weekend working.

• Project management.


• Land management.


• Contract management.


• Local factors (recreation, common land, historic monuments, SSSI).


• Relevant site-specific specialist knowledge (e.g. grassland and woodland management, common land law).


• Interpersonal and communication skills.


• Budget management.


• Ecological requirements of key species (Chalk Grassland Species Flora: Pasque Flower, bastard toadflax, candytuft, milkwort; invertebrates Chalkhill Blue Butterfly)


• Diplomacy.


• Site or land management experience.


Desirable skills, knowledge and experience:

Education, communication or outreach experience.

This is a Permanent, full-time role for 37.5 hours per week. Applicants can request a substantial part-time position instead.