Senior Rural Surveyor, Wareham Arc Recovery Project

Job Description

We have an opportunity for an experienced and self-motivated Rural Surveyor to join RSPB to support the development phase of the DEFRA Funded Wareham Arc Landscape Recovery project in Dorset. This is a full-time role but a limited period contract of 21 months.

The primary responsibility of the role (ca 3.5 days/week) is to support the development phase of the Project over the next two years. It will also include (ca 1.5 days/week) to support Rural Surveying casework across reserves in RSPB South England.
The role can be home based to include travel around the Wareham Arc on a regular basis.

What's the role about?

The Wareham Arc Landscape Recovery project is one of three DEFRA funded landscape recovery projects led by RSPB. These projects are currently in the development phase until December 2024.
The Wareham Arc is an ambitious project to revitalise the historic wetland and heathland landscape in Purbeck, Dorset. Bringing together a broad coalition of farmers, landowners, wildlife charities, Forestry England and Natural England we hope to re-connect habitats to link Purbeck Heaths National Nature Reserve and the Lulworth Army Range, through Forestry England’s Wareham Forest to RSPB Lytchett Fields on the north shore of Poole Harbour. This visionary project will help restore wetland habitats that are healthier and more resilient to climate change and pollution, protect iconic and threatened species such as nightjars and water voles, and transform access to the natural environment for local communities.

The initial development phase runs from Jan 2023 to 31 Dec 2024. Your role will be to;

• Liaise with landowners involved in the project, these include large institutional landowners as well as individuals.
• Agree contracts with the partners and DEFRA to set out responsibilities during the implementation phase of the project.
• Support the wider Wareham Arc project team on legal and land ownership considerations.

Wider Rural Surveying Estate Management duties include carrying out due diligence to identify, mitigate and manage the legal, reputational and financial aspects of rural property over land, buildings, offices and business premises including rent reviews, repairing obligations, landlord consents, land management contracts, compliance with grant conditions. Advising on agricultural matters and farming systems and agri-environment scheme applications and claims, granting leases and licences e.g. sporting, fishing, grazing, negotiating wayleaves and easements.

The England Rural Surveying Team works together with a strong team ethos, enthusiasm and dedication and share professional expertise, knowledge and information at regular Team meetings. We look to develop opportunities for staff to use their expertise and have a clear programme of supporting and paying for CPD.

The RSPB’s work in Hampshire, Wiltshire, Dorset and the Isle of Wight covers a diverse range of habitats across lowland southern England, including the New Forest, the chalk grasslands of Wiltshire, and the Dorset heaths and wetlands. Across the area we manage several of our own reserves, whilst also working in partnership with other conservation bodies, landowners, farmers, and local authorities to protect nature and reverse its decline through advisory work, casework and species recovery projects, in particular for stone curlew and little tern.

Essential needed:

• Chartered member of RICS (Rural) or another equivalent professional organisation.
• Demonstrable post qualification knowledge of estate management, land and property acquisition and disposal work in the rural environment.
• An up to date understanding of agricultural subsidy schemes in England and associated cross compliance requirements.
• Knowledge of project management principles and their application.
• Ability to clearly communicate verbally, and in writing, complex estate management issues to all levels within RSPB and to external audiences.
• Ability to make quick, pragmatic and practical decisions/recommendations/alternatives based on sound analysis and reason.
• Ability to positively influence wider audiences and demonstrate credibility both internally and externally.
• Ability to negotiate and achieve the required corporate outcomes. An awareness of the requirements of the Charities’ Act, guidance and learning opportunities can be given.
• Ability to manage and prioritise high volume competing objectives, work alone and as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
• Ability to travel widely including by car and public transport and this role will require occasional overnight stays away from home.

This is a Fixed-Term (21 months) Full-Time role for 37.5 hours per week. The RSPB reserves the right to extend or make this role permanent without further advertising dependent on business needs at the end of the contract term.

We are looking to conduct interviews for this position from 6th March. For further information please contact: elizabeth.bridge@rspb.org.uk

As part of this application process you will be asked to complete an application form including evidence on how you meet the skills, knowledge, and experience listed above.

We are committed to developing an inclusive and diverse RSPB, in which everyone feels supported, valued, and able to be their full selves. To achieve our vision of creating a world richer in nature, we need more people, and more diverse people, on nature’s side. People of colour and disabled people are currently underrepresented across the environment, climate, sustainability, and conservation sector. If you identify as a person of colour and/or disabled, we are particularly interested in receiving your application. Contact us to discuss any additional support you may need to complete your application.

The RSPB is an equal opportunities employer. This role is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

Before applying for this role, we recommend reading through the candidate guidance notes attached to the top of this advert.