Head of Conservation

We are seeking an inspiring Head of Conservation who will be responsible for the Trust's programmes for nature conservation and nature's recovery, vital in delivering our vision of a wilder Worcestershire where there is more nature everywhere for everyone. The current postholder will be leaving at the end of April 2025 after a long career with the Trust. The Trust's Head of Conservation plays a key role in delivering our three strategic goals set out in our strategy to 2030 which are:

• Nature in recovery: 30% of land for nature by 2030.
• Action for nature: 1 in 4 taking action for nature by 2030.
• Sustaining our future: more diversity, more funding and carbon zero by 2030.
Who you are The postholder will lead the development of strategic and operational plans and performance measurement for your team, ensure that the conservation team has an effective delivery structure and take a lead role in the overall development and coordination of the Trust's work. We have more than 75 nature reserves across the county that form part of our vision for bigger, better, more and joined habitats. By working with other landowners, managers and communities we aim to restore, recreate and reconnect fragmented natural habitats to achieve a landscape where wildlife can flourish, and people can lead healthier and happier lives.,
• This is a full time, 35 hours per week position on a permanent contract.
• The role will be largely based at Worcestershire Wildlife Trust, Lower Smite Farm, Hindlip, Worcester WR3 8SZ with regular travel within Worcestershire and occasionally further afield.
• The Trust Pension Scheme is a Salary Sacrifice Scheme with Royal London. Employees contribute a minimum of 4% and the Trust then contributes an additional 8% plus the Employers National Insurance savings made due to the salary sacrifice element.
• Annual leave is 33 days (inclusive of eight bank holidays with three days required to be used to cover the closure between Christmas and New Year) increasing by one day per three years of service to a maximum of 38 days.
• Group Life Assurance policy worth three times annual salary.
• Health Cash Plan and Wellbeing Services provided via HealthShield.
• Contractual sick pay.
• A full driving licence is essential.
  
  The successful candidate will have experience of land management, working with policy makers, knowledge of ecology, legislation and policy relevant to the post and excellent communications skills. You will have excellent leadership skills with a proven track record in partnership working, project development and budget management.
  
  Worcestershire Wildlife Trust is the county's leading local charity working towards a county rich in wildlife. With the support of our volunteers and members we manage over 3,000 acres of land for wildlife and people across Worcestershire. We work with organisations and landowners to protect and connect wildlife sites across the county. We also work with and inspire local communities and young people to care for wildlife where they live.
We are one of 46 independent Wildlife Trusts operating across the UK and in this role you have the opportunity to build networks with equivalent roles in other Wildlife Trusts and working with the national team to further nature conservation and nature's recovery across the Wildlife Trust movement. We're Wild About Inclusion. To us, this means inspiring, empowering and engaging people from all backgrounds, cultures, identities and abilities, to change the natural world for the better. It also means cultivating inclusive workspaces that are free from discrimination, where differences are valued, everyone can be themselves and flourish, just like nature!