Site Manager- Sandwell Valley

Job Description

Would you like to work at one of the most unique and thriving nature reserves in the RSPB? We have a rare and exciting opportunity, the role of site manager at RSPB Sandwell Valley. Sandwell Valley is a beautiful green oasis on the outskirts of Birmingham. A site that hosts incredible wildlife such as lapwing, little ringed plover, kingfisher and snipe but also offers respite and connection to tens of thousands of local people from diverse backgrounds, in fact it has the most diverse visitor audience in the RSPB, and hosts one of the most successful education offers.

We are looking for a passionate and experienced people and land manager. Could you be person that will protect the habitats, grow the visitor and education offer and take this diverse community on a journey with us?

As Site Manager you will:

• Manage day to day operations for habitats, species, people, visitors, education, community, finance and legal compliance.
• Inspire, lead and develop the dedicated team of 4 reserve staff and 150 volunteers.
• Be responsible for the review , update and implementation of reserve management plan and business plan.
• Act as the main point of contact for the local community, neighbours, and other external parties such as EA and Sandwell council in order maintain good relationships.
• Enjoy the support of a very experienced local team, area manager, ecologists, a rural surveyor, safety advisor and other specialist RSPB staff.

Essential knowledge:

• Visitor attraction operations and commercial development
• Ecological requirements of key species
• Land management (wetland and woodland).
• Project management
• Health, Safety & Environmental management.
• Contractor management

Essential skills:

• Interpersonal and communication skills, appropriate to build relationships with the local community and work effectively in teams.
• Leadership skills.
• Budget management and commercial aptitude
• Individual and team management skills.
• Problem solving.
• Time management and prioritisation.
• Influencing and negotiation.
• Competent IT User (e.g., MS packages, Outlook, GIS etc).

Essential experience:

• A proven track record of managing people (contractors, staff, volunteers).
• Management of a visitor operation.
• Working with multi-functional team

As part of this application process you will be asked to provide a copy of your CV and complete an application form including a small paragraph of evidence on how you meet every one of the essential knowledge, skills and experience listed in the bullets points above.

We are looking to conduct interviews for this position from 9 October 2023. For further information please contact mel.dyer@rspb.org.uk.

This is a Permanent, Full-Time role for 37.5 hours per week.

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.

This role is not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship - the successful applicant will need to have a pre-existing Right to Work in the UK in order to be offered an employment contract.

This role will require completion of a DBS in addition to the standard pre-employment checks as it involves working with children during our schools on reserves events and volunteers under the age of 18.

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