Nature Conservation and Engagement Officer

The Conservators of Ashdown Forest seek two Nature Conservation and Engagement Officers to manage and enhance biodiversity at Ashdown Forest in the UK. Responsibilities include organizing volunteer work, leading guided walks, conducting ecological surveys, and engaging with stakeholders. The role requires excellent communication skills and involves some out-of-hours work. The position is full-time, with a salary range of £27,711 to £30,060, and is not remote.
Nature Conservation and Engagement Officer(s)

Hours per week: 37 flexible working.

Salary: NJC Scale 5 SCPs 12-17 – £27,711 to £30,060 subject to experience.

Have you got a passion for wildlife and conservation? Do you love to engage with people to provide positive experiences? Would you like to work on one of the most important wildlife sites in southern England? The Board of the Conservators of Ashdown Forest have an exciting opportunity to appoint two Nature Conservation and Engagement Officers to support the management of Ashdown Forest.

The Board has a strategic vision to protect, conserve, and enhance the nature and culture of Ashdown Forest as the most extensive biodiverse heathland and open space in Sussex for the enjoyment, education, health, and recreation of all. We are looking for two enthusiastic and motivated people with a passion for wildlife conservation, heathland management and public engagement to deliver the management programme of works across Ashdown Forest. This will involve organising and undertaking volunteer work parties, leading guided walks, and engaging positively with internal and external stakeholders about the Forests’ management. This will also include conducting ecological surveys and undertaking a range of practical habitat and site management tasks.

Working under the Head of Countryside and supervised by the Site Manager, you will support the organisation’s goal of achieving favourable conditions for the SSSI through exemplary land management, reverse the decline of biodiversity loss, and provide an outstanding visitor experience.

About the Forest: Originally a deer hunting forest, Ashdown Forest is now one of the largest free public access spaces in the Southeast and an internationally important heathland. The responsibility for managing Ashdown Forest on behalf of the Owner, who since 1988 has been the Ashdown Forest Trust, lies with an independent body, The Board of Conservators of Ashdown Forest. The Board, created in 1885, has been regulated under a series of Acts of Parliament, the most recent being the Ashdown Forest Act 1974

About the role: These newly created posts will join the existing team and be instrumental in assisting and leading many of the day-to-day operational activities across the Forest. These roles will require excellent ecological, interpersonal, and communication skills. This role will require some out-of-hours and being part of a weekend work rota. This role must have the ability to drive.

Closing date for applications Sunday, 13th April 2025

Potential interview dates include 28th & 29th April 2025

The Conservators of Ashdown Forest, The Ashdown Forest Centre, Wych Cross, Forest Row, East Sussex, RH18 5JP www.ashdownforest.org