Location
Newry, Northern Ireland
Hours
Full Time
Salary
£33,593 per annum
About the Role
The Woodland Trust is seeking a Contracts Manager (Conservation) to lead the successful delivery of The National Lottery Heritage Fund project, Mourne Park - 500 years of undiscovered natural heritage, ensuring all targets and budgets are met. You will plan, tender, procure and supervise estate contracts to high professional standards, maintaining full FSC and Health & Safety compliance. The role involves delivering practical conservation work including woodland creation, ancient woodland restoration, species recovery and heritage management. You will carry out ecological monitoring and habitat assessments, using survey and population data to inform management decisions. Managing and supervising contractors to ensure methods, timing and standards support ecological objectives and minimise environmental impact is essential. You will secure and adhere to all required environmental consents such as felling licences, protected species permissions and planning approvals. Collaboration with landowners, partners, agencies and local communities to promote best practice and support habitat restoration is a key part of the role. Maintaining accurate conservation records, monitoring data, reports and financial information to meet Trust and Heritage Fund requirements is required. You will also represent the Woodland Trust at events and through engagement and communications, supporting advocacy, volunteer coordination, wider project delivery, and assisting the Community Development Officer in work with children, young people and vulnerable adults across community and educational settings. This is a fixed term contract until December 2029.
Experience
Extensive experience delivering complex, multidisciplinary projects with effective planning, monitoring and delivery to time and budget. Strong background in forestry or conservation land management, including volunteer and community engagement. Proven ability to develop and manage relationships with landowners and land-owning partners. Experience in public-facing communications such as consultations, media work, lobbying and event management. Knowledge of native woodland creation techniques, woodland design for conservation and economic outcomes, and management of woodland creation sites. Commercially aware, innovative and collaborative with the ability to deliver value for money, act with initiative and meet deadlines professionally.
About you
Excellent verbal and written communication skills with confident use of IT systems. Collaborative and proactive approach to work. Commitment to environmental and conservation values. Ability to represent the Woodland Trust professionally in various settings.
Qualifications
Preferably hold a relevant HND or degree in land, countryside, environmental or forestry management (or related field). Full UK driving licence required. The successful candidate will be required to undertake an Enhanced Background Check as part of pre-employment screening.
