Project Officer

Summary

We’re looking for a dynamic and experienced Project Officer to help deliver an exciting nature
conservation project in south Shropshire. The project area covers over 200km² and includes two
major sites of conservation importance: the Long Mynd SSSI and the Stiperstones NNR.

Stepping Stones takes an innovative, landscape-scale approach to nature conservation, working
primarily off National Trust land with a range of local partners and collaborators. The aim is
ecological connectivity: connecting wildlife habitats by restoring or creating patches of
habitat (‘stepping stones’) and wildlife corridors around the two core sites of the
Stiperstones and Long Mynd.

There are three main strands to the project: working with farmers, working with the wider local
community and volunteers, and direct nature conservation on ‘stepping stones’ sites owned by
the National Trust and our partners.

After several years of successful delivery this is an exciting time for the project as we shape
the future of the next phase of Stepping Stones.

What it’s like to work here

You’ll work in a busy environment, based at Carding Mill Valley which receives over 250,000
visitor per year. We are an important site for education, welcoming 45,000 children and young
people to the valley each year However, you will be working across the wider landscape with
local landowners and communities.

Some evening, weekend and bank holiday working is required. The role is office based but
occasional working from home may be possible.

What you’ll be doing

You’ll build positive working relationships with the other members of the team – the Project
Manager and Project Coordinator – and other colleagues. You’ll also work with external partners
including farmers, Natural England, the Shropshire Hills National Landscape (formerly AONB)
Partnership, Shropshire Wildlife Trust, and many local community groups. Importantly in this
agricultural landscape we have the support of the Upper Onny Farmers Group, a group of local
farmers with whom we work closely.

You’ll contribute to many different aspects including delivering packages of conservation work
focused on the recovery of key local species, promoting the project, and the development of
future funding bids. A key part of the role will be to lead the Stepping Stones volunteer group
to deliver practical conservation tasks.

Who we’re looking for

We’d love to hear from you if you have:

• A proven track record in project delivery and managing project budgets.
• Experience in the nature conservation sector and knowledge of conservation issues.
• Experience of leading, motivating and supervising volunteers.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including public presentation
  experience.
• Experience of building effective working relationships.
• Excellent organisational skills and ability to work well under pressure.
• Experience of relevant health and safety procedures and experience of undertaking risk
  assessments.
• You will need to hold a current driving license.

The package

The National Trust has the motto ‘For everyone, for ever’ at its heart. We’re working hard to
create an inclusive culture, where everyone feels they belong. It’s important that our people
reflect and represent the diversity of the communities and audiences we serve. We welcome and
value difference, so when we say we’re for everyone, we want everyone to be welcome in our
teams too.

• Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary
• Free entry to National Trust places for you, a guest and your children (under 18)
• Tax free childcare scheme
• Rental deposit loan scheme
• Season ticket loan
• Perks at work discounts i.e. gym memberships, shopping discount codes, cinema discounts
• Holiday allowance up to 32 days relating to length of service, plus holiday purchase
  scheme, subject to meeting minimum criteria.
• Flexible working whenever possible
• Employee assistance programme
• Free parking at most locations
• Independent financial advice

Click here to find out
more about the benefits we offer to support you.