Terrestrial Restoration Manager

The Kilchoan Estate is a cultural and educational enterprise in restoration, preservation & sustainability. Across 1500 acres we are restoring habitats, creating gardens and caring for historic breed livestock. We are looking for enthusiastic applicants to join our team as a terrestrial restoration manager.

Situated on the north shores of Loch Melfort, the estate rises from sea-level to 270m. There are a range of distinct habitats including grasslands, peatlands, semi-natural ancient woodland, newly planted native woodland & exotic forestry plantations. We also run several marine projects including a native oyster restoration project and a kelp farm.

We are seeking a highly motivated individual to join our team in a dynamic role, involving a variety of tasks across the estate. The ideal candidate will be able to collaborate effectively with the estate team, take the lead on terrestrial restoration and conservation initiatives and be able to produce regular written reports to the Managing Director.

Duties will include (but not limited too):

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage and oversee the woodland creation projects and our existing woodlands, including regular fence inspections, maintenance and collaboration with our forestry contractor.
• Lead day-to-day conservation efforts, carry out active (in the field) nature enhancement projects such as gorse removal, bracken bashing etc…
• Manage budgets effectively, including oversight of external contractor fees.
• Collaborate with the stockperson and estate team to manage the conservation grazing of our premium fold of highland cattle.
• Ensure compliance with the Woodland Carbon Code, ensuring the woodlands meet all required conditions.
• Make sure we comply with the health and safety act.
• Work closely with the biodiversity and engagement officer to Network, collaborate and build bridges with similar minded organisations and communicate our success to the public.
• Work closely with the biodiversity and engagement officer to support visiting students and volunteers, seasonal workers.
• Work closely with the estate team and biodiversity and engagement officer to trial new approaches that enhance and maximise biodiversity benefits.

Criteria

• Proven experience in developing, planning, and delivering nature reserve work programmes.
• Experience managing and supporting staff, volunteers, or teams to achieve operational objectives.
• Proficient in QGIS and Microsoft Excel for mapping, data analysis, and reporting.
• Strong technical knowledge of wildlife conservation principles, plant and tree knowledge and practical land management practices.
• Skilled at building and maintaining effective working relationships with colleagues, partners, and stakeholders across an organisation.
• Highly self-motivated, with the ability to prioritise competing tasks, work independently, and consistently meet deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience producing clear, accurate, and concise reports.
• Committed to working in accordance with the Health and Safety at Work Act and promoting safe working practices.
• Full, clean UK driving licence.
• Full right to live and work in the United Kingdom.

We encourage applicants who do not meet every area of essential criteria to apply, your transferable skills may still make you the best candidate!

We provide both formal and informal training opportunities, with continuous personal and professional development supported. Additionally, there are opportunities to visit and collaborate with external organisations on a variety of projects. We also offer the following:

• Paid sick leave
• 34 days of holiday
• Life assurance policy
• Generous pension scheme
• Long service award