Interim Reserve Manager

About The Role

We are looking for an experienced and motivated conservation professional to lead the management of the 400-acre nature reserve at WWT Llanelli Wetland Centre.

This is a hands-on leadership role responsible for delivering high-quality habitat management, species monitoring, and infrastructure maintenance, while also leading a skilled team of wardens and volunteers. You will play a key role in shaping and delivering the reserve’s management plan, transitioning into the Sustainable Farming Scheme, and driving forward conservation projects that deliver real impact for wetlands and wildlife.

Working within a matrix management structure, you will collaborate across WWT teams and with external partners to ensure the reserve contributes to wider organisational goals. You will also play an important role in engaging visitors and representing WWT within the local conservation community.

This is an exciting opportunity to manage a high-profile reserve, influence how wetlands are managed in a changing environmental landscape, and contribute directly to WWT’s mission to restore wetlands and unlock their power.

In return, you’ll gain the opportunity to lead a dynamic site, work with passionate colleagues, and make a tangible difference for nature, climate, and people.

This is a Fixed Term Contract from June 2026 until March 2029. This is an annualised hours contract based on an average of 30 hours per week, working 4 days from 7. Salary will be paid in equal monthly amounts.

About You

We’re looking for someone who brings a strong mix of practical conservation experience, leadership, and a collaborative mindset. To be shortlisted, you’ll need:

• Proven experience managing land for conservation, including delivering habitat management and work programmes
• Strong ecological knowledge, with the ability to identify key species (particularly birds) and understand habitat management
• Experience leading and motivating teams, including staff and/or volunteers
• Practical skills in using and maintaining machinery and equipment safely
• Experience working with contractors, graziers, or external partners to deliver land management
• Confidence in planning, budgeting, and delivering projects
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to build relationships internally and externally
• A proactive, organised, and adaptable approach, with the ability to work independently and as part of a wider team

About Us

We’re WWT, and we’re on a mission to restore the super-powered ecosystems we call wetlands. There’s never been a more important moment for our work, and we’ve got some phenomenal people on the case.

Whether they’re taking a new visitor under their wing, or conducting ground-breaking research further afield, our team are second to none. And there’s nothing we love more than watching them soar.

Whatever you do here, you’ll be helping to restore wetlands and unlock their power. So, the only question left is, what role will you play?

Why you’ll love working at WWT

• Wake up every day knowing your work is helping to restore wetlands, and our world
• Be surrounded and inspired by our team of passionate, dedicated people
• 33 days annual leave (which goes up to 38 days after 5 years of service) – this includes bank holidays and you have flexibility to take those days whenever you want
• Free entry to all our wetland centres, including your family
• Free car parking and secure bike storage areas
• Colleague discount on shopping and memberships
• Cycle to work scheme
• Contributory pension scheme
• Life Assurance of three times your salary, for peace of mind for your loved ones
• Independent personal, workplace and financial advice from our Employee Assistance Programme

WWT is an equal opportunities employer and all applications will be considered solely on merit.