Location
Central London with flexibility to work from any Forestry England office across the country. Hybrid working from home is supported. The role requires regular travel across England, including remote locations such as the Lake District, Kielder Forest, North York Moors, Peak District, south-east England, New Forest, Purbeck, Forest of Dean, and Dartmoor. Occasional travel to other parts of the UK may also be required.

Hours
Full Time

Salary
£40,388 per annum

About the Role
Forestry England’s Forest Wilding Programme, launched in 2022, aims to restore naturally functioning ecosystems to the Nation’s Forests. As part of this, the Species Recovery Manager will lead one of the most ambitious initiatives focused on recovering priority influential species such as beaver, wildcat, pine marten, white-tailed eagle, and wood ants, primarily through conservation translocation projects. With over 30 projects underway across England, including feasibility studies and reintroductions, this role is central to driving nature recovery efforts at a national scale.

You will provide inspiration, leadership, and managerial skills to ensure effective delivery of these projects and develop a pipeline of new species recovery initiatives. Your role includes providing strong technical leadership in species recovery and nature-focused land management integrated with forestry management, managing a delegated budget of around £2 million, and maintaining robust programme and project management to deliver projects on time and within budget. You will also develop and manage strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders and represent Forestry England on various national forums.

This is a fast-paced and exciting role at the forefront of nature recovery in England, working for the country’s largest land manager.

Experience
Proven technical experience in species recovery, conservation translocation, or nature-focused land management. Demonstrated ability to lead and manage complex projects and programmes, including budget management. Experience working collaboratively with multiple stakeholders and partners across conservation and forestry sectors.

About you
Inspiring leader with strong managerial skills and the ability to motivate teams and partners. Excellent communicator capable of representing Forestry England on national forums. Willingness and ability to travel regularly across England, including to remote locations. Holds a full and current UK driving licence and is willing to stay away from home as required. Flexible and open to alternative working arrangements that enable effective delivery of the role.

Qualifications
Relevant qualifications in ecology, conservation, forestry, or related disciplines are desirable but not explicitly stated. A strong technical background and practical experience in species recovery and nature conservation are essential.