Species Recovery Manager (Forestry England)

Cieem; England; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading environmental organization in the United Kingdom is seeking a Species Recovery Manager to lead initiatives aimed at restoring ecosystems through conservation translocation projects. The role demands strong leadership skills, technical expertise in species recovery, and the ability to coordinate with various stakeholders to ensure timely delivery of projects. This is a pivotal role in nature recovery, contributing to ambitious conservation efforts across England.

Qualifications

• Experience in project management and leadership in ecological or conservation projects.
• Ability to develop and implement species recovery programs.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills with various stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Forest Wilding Programme and its species recovery initiatives.
• Ensure the effective delivery of conservation translocation projects.
• Develop and maintain project management standards and timelines.

Job description

Forestry England’s Forest Wilding Programme was launched in 2022, to deliver a step-change in our efforts to restore naturally functioning ecosystems to the Nation’s Forests. As part of this, we have developed one of the most ambitious initiatives to recover a select group of priority influential species, including beaver, wildcat, pine marten, white-tailed eagle and wood ants, predominantly through conservation translocation projects. We have over 30 projects in progress across England, including feasibility studies for wildcat in Northumberland, the reintroduction of pine martens in Devon, and a pioneering study of influential species which will inform our priorities through the next phase of the Forest Wilding Programme. These projects involve Foresty England colleagues across the country, as well as many other organisations, including Wildlife Trusts, the Roy Dennis Wildlife Foundation, Vincent Wildlife Trust and Natural England.

As Species Recovery Manager you will lead this initiative, providing the inspiration, leadership qualities and managerial skills to ensure the effective delivery of these projects, and develop a pipeline of new species recovery projects, which together help drive nature recovery. The post holder will bring technical experience and insight, developing and maintaining standards, and ensuring robust programme and project management to deliver projects on time and on budget. This is an exciting and fast-paced role which is at the forefront of nature recovery efforts in England, working for England’s largest land manager.