Reserve Manager – Parsonage Down National Nature Reserve

Parsonage Down NNR is one of the largest most diverse calcareous grassland nature reserves in
the UK and part of Salisbury Plain SAC. The NNR is also home to Cherry Lodge Farm, Natural
England’s working farm dedicated to developing nature based sustainable farming.

We are seeking a motivated and passionate Reserve Manager whose primary responsibility will be
delivering the NNR Management Plan work programme to meet the nature conservation objectives
for the site.

You will be working alongside the Parsonage Down NNR Farm Manager and Stockperson, who are
responsible for farm operations and livestock husbandry. As a team you will be developing an
integrated approach to nature recovery and food production. You will be line managed by the
Wiltshire Senior Reserve Manager (SRM).

An ability to work as part of a team, with a diverse range of people and to manage workloads
will be important. An understanding of the relevant legal obligations will also be required.

Salary is £34,072 on an annualised hours contract. Weekly hours fluctuate seasonally, averaging
43 hours per week.

Vacancy manager is [email protected] or
07771944557 for any other enquiries.

Role description

• Delivery of the NNR Management Plan work programme.
• Lead delivery of practical works on site infrastructure (e.g. fencing) and habitat
  management (e.g. scrub clearance, tree planting).
• Monitor grazing management of the SSSI chalk grassland to ensure it is delivering the NNR
  management plan objectives.
• Co-ordinate the delivery of the survey and monitoring programme e.g. botanical and
  invertebrate surveys.
• Manage NNR contracts within allocated budgets e.g. site infrastructure, habitat works or
  tree safety.
• Lead the weekly volunteer team in delivering practical tasks on the NNR.
• Lead development of volunteering opportunities and engagement with the local community that
  supports the NNR’s objectives for ‘Connecting People with Nature’
• Lead on NE’s H&S responsibilities for tree safety and site infrastructure on the NNR.
  Assist with built infrastructure, machinery maintenance, vehicle checks etc. and undertake
  timely H&S reporting.
• Supervise contractors, volunteers and apprentices as required.
• Assist SRM in developing partnerships for landscape scale connectivity of the NNR.
• Ensure Natural England complies with the terms of its leases, agreements, licences, and
  responsibilities as a landowner relating to NNR operations e.g. Open Access legislation.
• Support the Farm Manager with livestock husbandry of cattle and sheep including calving,
  cattle handling, and stock checks.
• Support the Farm Manager with daily farm tasks e.g. feeding, bedding up, hay making,
  topping etc.