Site Manager

Introduction

The Conservators of Therfield Heath and Greens manage Therfield Heath,164ha of Common land
immediately to the west of the growing town of Royston, and 9 small areas of land in the
village of Therfield itself.

What’s the role about?

Most of Therfield Heath forms most a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) cited for its
chalk grassland flora and invertebrates. It is most famous for having one of the three largest
colonies of Pasque Flowers in the UK and its Chalkhill Blue Butterflies, but many other species
are present. However, the role is not just about conservation as the land is also common land
so enabling recreation is also important. The site has a golf course, horse racing gallops and
sports pitches and is heavily used by the public for walking, running and dog exercising.
Diplomatically balancing conservation and recreation is the crux of the role.

The role is responsible for delivering all of the management across the site. This will be done by
commissioning, monitoring and encouraging contractors, stintholders, tenants and volunteers.
You will be responsible for delivering the current Habitat Management Plan (2021-26) and any
projects or grants, such as Countryside Stewardship, obtained. You will be responsible for
liaising the Natural England, Historic England and the Planning Inspectorate and making sure
necessary permissions for work is obtained in advance. You will also develop management plans
for the other Greens, and with the tenants an Asset management plan for structures on site and
work towards the next Habitat Management Plan for the SSSI.

The roles will also lead on outreach work with the community which may include talks to
community groups, hosting school visits and engaging with the public on site through signage,
social media, print articles and dialogue in person.

You’ll often be leading projects and working on your own, so you will need to be enthusiastic,
have loads of initiative, be diplomatic and able to balance conflicting opinions and demands.
We expect the post holder to live close to Royston and be on site most days, including some
weekend working.

Essential skills, knowledge and experience:

• Project management.
• Land management.
• Contract management.
• Local factors (recreation, common land, historic monuments, SSSI).
• Relevant site-specific specialist knowledge (e.g. grassland and woodland management, common
  land law).
• Interpersonal and communication skills.
• Budget management.
• Ecological requirements of key species (Chalk Grassland Species Flora: Pasque Flower,
  bastard toadflax, candytuft, milkwort; invertebrates Chalkhill Blue Butterfly)
• Diplomacy.
• Site or land management experience.

Desirable skills, knowledge and experience:

Education, communication or outreach experience.

This is a Permanent, full-time role for 37.5 hours per week. Applicants can request a
substantial part-time position instead.

We will arrange initial Teams interviews shortly after the closing date for a longlist, with on
site interviews for the final shortlist. For further information please contact
[email protected]

As part of this application process, you will be asked to submit a CV and write a covering
letter including evidence on how you meet the skills, knowledge, and experience listed above by 2nd June 2024 to [email protected]

This role is not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship – the successful applicant will need to have
a pre-existing Right to Work in the UK in order to be offered an employment contract.