Senior Reserve Manager – Castle Eden Dene National Nature Reserve

Northumbria Area Team is seeking to recruit a professional and highly motivated individual to join the Northumbria Team as part of its National Nature Reserve (NNR) group of staff. Our National Nature Reserves (NNRs) are at the forefront of nature recovery and people engagement and are at the heart of achieving Natural England’s ambitions (such as Local Nature Recovery, Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), NNR strategy etc.). This role is fundamental to the delivery of the NNR Management plans and the ambitions of NNRs, providing key operational delivery on the reserves, thereby ensuring the NNR series can achieve its role in delivering the Government’s ambitious 25-year plan.

The Senior Reserve Manager (SRM) holds a pivotal role in the comprehensive management and enhancement of National Nature Reserves (NNRs), actively promoting Nature Recovery in the broader landscape. The role demands an understanding of land management techniques, biodiversity conservation, and strategic planning combining technical expertise with practical land management knowledge. The Senior Reserve Manager collaborates with staff, volunteers, local communities, and partners, contributing to Nature England’s Vision, Mission and Aims. The role will be actively involved in the wider Area Team leadership group, working alongside other Senior staff and Managers.

The principal NNRs to be managed by this role are:

• Castle Eden Dene
• Teesmouth
• Cassop National Nature Reserves.

The post is based at our reserve base at Castle Eden Dene, Peterlee.

This is the main operational hub for the Castle Eden Dene NNR cluster and supports operational and strategic partnership working that delivers nature recovery and public health benefits across the region. It is a base for staff, volunteers, visiting schools and participants from the local community, and hosting a wide range of activities delivered by the Northumbria Area Team and partners.

The Senior Reserve Manager will lead the development and implementation of NNR work programs, aligning day-to-day management with a long-term nature recovery vision alongside partners. The role will be responsible for their own Health & Safety and of staff, visitors, volunteers and contractors on the reserves. They will line manage reserve staff, foster a positive working culture, provide financial management alongside working with colleagues to deliver Area Team priorities and strategic projects.

Alongside a salary of £39,660 you’ll receive a generous leave allowance of 25 days per year (pro rata), increasing by one day for each year of service up to 30 days (pro-rata), access to the Civil Service Pension scheme with a 28.97% employer contribution, and a range of benefits such as shopping discounts and a cycle-to-work scheme. Staff can also join the Civil Service Sport club for discounts on sports, leisure activities, and social events.

Contact point for applicants

Job contact :

• Name : Anna Millard
• Email : [email protected]

Recruitment team

• Email : [email protected]