Summary of role
You will be responsible for working with Conservation Officers, tenant farmers and graziers to produce a vision and plans for implementing a programme to deliver nature- and landscape-friendly farming across CRT properties, the majority of which are working farms. This programme will require identifying the potential for significant nature- and landscape-recovery activities and working with our fundraiser to generate income to support this work alongside the promotion of regenerative agroecological farming practices.
A key part of the role will also be managing the Conservation and Land Management Team and its work and overseeing the collection, collation, and presentation of biodiversity data for the properties.
Strategic direction and a full description of tasks and roles on these matters is provided by two documents: Conservation and Land Management Framework and the Environmental Audit and Monitoring Strategy. Both documents will be provided to those who apply for this position.
This work will be delivered with support and input from other team members, the Property, and Infrastructure Manager and in consultation with tenant farmers, relevant contractors and graziers. There will also be frequent interaction with the CRT’s marketing and communications team.
The successful applicant will possess a clean UK driving licence as significant travelling will be involved between CRT properties, especially those in Herefordshire, Dorset, and south-east England.
Responsibilities
These include:
The production and updating of conservation management plans for CRT properties that will sit within wider holistic plans covering all aspects of those properties, including income generating activities, operation and management of buildings and other infrastructure.
Writing and developing funding bids/applications for environmental land management schemes, including Countryside Stewardship, woodland management schemes, carbon and biodiversity net gain and ensuring appropriate areas of land are registered for relevant funding schemes. Managing and monitoring the delivery of funded schemes.
Assisting the fundraising officer in writing and developing funding bids for specific projects that will improve nature and landscape quality on CRT properties and that will support the delivery of community engagement as a means of delivering our educational charity objectives.
Delivering conservation land-management advice to farm tenants and others involved with the delivery of land management on our properties.
Managing the Conservation and Land Management team, ensuring that reasonable deadlines for projects and reports are met, and guidance/advice is offered through regular team meetings.
Supporting the individual Property Management Steering Groups with advice and delivery of conservation management and reporting to the Property and Land Board.
Reactive work as may be necessary.
Reviewing and updating progress on delivering the Conservation and Land Management Framework and Environmental Audit and Monitoring Strategy.
Key aspects of role
– Evaluation and oversight of ecological surveys and assessments.
– Report writing – including management plans and reports to trustees.
– Project management and development including managing contracts, budgeting and financial management planning and for conservation land management.
– Managing a small team remotely.
Essential Skills and Qualifications
Degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant subject area (e.g., Ecology, Conservation, Countryside Management, Environmental Sciences). A further degree in a relevant subject would be advantageous.
A high degree of competence and knowledge concerning UK lowland terrestrial and freshwater habitats and their requirements and a good knowledge of species conservation in England with the ability to be able to accurately appraise the conservation value of habitats represented on CRT properties.
Good ID skills for vascular plants of lowland habitats.
Significant experience in conservation land management, planning and restoring land for lowland habitats and species.
An understanding of lowland livestock and arable farming and forestry practices and the challenges associated within these sectors.
Excellent communication skills with experience of providing advice on conservation land management practices with farmers and other land managers.
Sound knowledge of rural, conservation, environmental and planning issues, including relevant legislation and policies.
Excellent IT (including good keyboard skills), written communication, research, and presentation skills.
Teamworking and project management skills.
Analytical thinking skills
The successful applicant will be capable of working with limited supervision, able to prioritise tasks and work in an organised and efficient manner.
Full CIEEM membership is desirable.