Senior Reserves Officer – Maternity Cover

Senior Reserves Officer – Maternity Cover
Old Coleham Yard, Shrewsbury and/or The Cut Headquarters, Shrewsbury
£34,072 per annum + 7% pension contribution
Fixed term Contract until Friday 16th April 2027, Full Time (35 hours per week)

Closing date: Monday 21st September 9.00am.
Interview dates: 8th (afternoon), 12th, 13th October 2026

What you will be doing:

We are seeking a conscientious and organised individual to lead the management of reserves across Shropshire, ensuring they are in good ecological condition and developed as safe, inspiring places for public access, education, research and demonstration. You will also support the Head of Reserves in managing and developing the Reserves team, with a particular focus on trainees, placements and apprentices.

You will oversee the safe and effective management of reserves through regular inspections, risk assessments and reactive works relating to trees, infrastructure and visitor safety. You will engage, support and enable branch groups (member groups) and volunteers working on allocated reserves, ensuring they follow Trust processes while building and maintaining positive relationships with neighbours, partners, members, volunteers and contractors.

You will manage resources effectively, securing and overseeing funding and schemes and ensuring these are delivered, monitored and reported against. You will support and guide colleagues to make the best use of their time and resources, helping to ensure that reserves are well managed, well known, accessible and welcoming to the widest and most diverse possible audience.

What we’re looking for:

We are looking for someone with a genuine passion for wildlife and nature, combined with practical experience in habitat and estate management. You will have experience carrying out inspections, planning and directing work, as well as managing wildlife projects, including budget management.

You will be a personable, well-organised individual who enjoys working with a wide range of people. You will have experience supporting and directing colleagues through mentoring or coaching, managing and motivating volunteer groups, and supervising contractors. You will also be confident working independently, using your initiative and managing your workload with minimal supervision.

Good IT skills are essential, including experience using Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel and ArcView GIS. You’ll also need to hold a full UK driving licence.

The Trust is committed to building an equal, diverse and inclusive workforce we encourage applications from a diverse range of suitably qualified candidates. Please let us know if you require any adjustments to make our recruitment process more accessible.

Why work for us – benefits we offer:

• 25 days holiday plus Bank Holidays and Service related holiday (pro-rated for part time staff)
• Salary sacrifice benefits
• Life assurance
• Generous pension – company contribution 7%, employee contribution 3%
• Enhanced Sick Pay
• Flexible working policy
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Staff discounts
• Employee away days
• Enhanced pay for maternity and adoption leave
• Coaching
• Support with training and development to assist career progression
• Inclusive & supportive work atmosphere

About us:

Shropshire Wildlife Trust (SWT) has a vision of a thriving natural world, where Shropshire’s wildlife and natural habitats play a valued role in addressing the climate and ecological emergencies, and people are inspired and empowered to take action for nature. We combine projects across Shropshire (including Telford & Wrekin) with advocacy and campaigning to restore nature and to engage people. We manage over 40 nature reserves and have almost 50 staff, 300 volunteers, and over 9000 members. SWT is an autonomous charity, but we are increasingly working collectively, as part of The Wildlife Trusts (TWT), to ensure that our local actions have a national impact and help to address global issues.