Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust

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1 Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust Job description Value Statement: The Trust expects its staff, paid and unpaid, to carry out their duties in a way which consistently exceeds the regulations and expectations of society at large in matters legal, ethical and environmental. Our aim is to ensure all resources are utilised effectively and efficiently. You will be expected to apply sound value for money principles in undertaking purchasing or supply of goods and services. 1. Title Conservation Projects Manager 2. Mission: To deliver the Pine Marten reintroduction project in the Forest of Dean and to support development of the Strategic vision for the Forest of Dean and other conservation projects for both GWT and the Forestry Commission. 3. Salary 28,000 per annum 4. Contract length 5-year fixed term contract 5. Responsible to Director of Conservation and Pine Marten Project Board 6. Responsible for Volunteers, Pine Marten Project Community Officer 7. Liaison with Vincent Wildlife Trust, Forestry Commission, Woodland Trust, Natural England, HLF Foresters Forest Project Manager, Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust staff - Forest of Dean Reserves Manager, Head of Land Management, Director of Conservation, Head of Fundraising, Communications Manager, Head of Community Programmes, Chief Executive. 8. Outline of main responsibilities a) To work with the programme board to oversee delivery of the project plan. b) To implement a pine marten recovery project according to the agreed project plan, managing the resources allocated by the Trust to achieve the project s expected outputs and outcomes. c) To work with project partners to develop the scientific knowledge and protocols required to implement the project according to robust scientific methodology and according to national

2 and international best practice guidelines for species conservation. d) To oversee the collection and analysis of scientific data to inform the project s activities and outcomes, including the specific undertaking of monitoring individual pine martens which will help to inform future recovery strategy. e) To obtain the appropriate licences and permissions for releasing and monitoring pine martens in the project area, complying with relevant animal welfare issues and the Vincent Wildlife Trust s policy on Ethical Research. f) To raise awareness of pine marten and the pine marten recovery project, acting as specialist spokesperson, developing relations with relevant media and other stakeholders as well as delivering a range of community engagement and participation opportunities. g) To work with a range of stakeholders and partners including statutory bodies, academics, volunteers, landowners, gamekeepers, naturalists and local residents, and taking responsibility for keeping them informed and involved as appropriate (according to the agreed stakeholder strategy). h) To be lead author or co-author on scientific-based reports and peer-reviewed papers related to the pine marten project where relevant, and provide data to others according to the Trust s scientific data policy. i) To oversee and take action on the risk management plan for the project, ensuring that mitigation is appropriate and that risks are regularly assessed. j) To ensure GWT intelligence on UK and international pine marten conservation issues is current (e.g. by keeping up to date with current research and publications) k) To be instrumental in helping to identify and meet prospective funders and in applying for funds to meet the external funding requirements of the project. l) To secure expert resources for the project, providing briefings, training and support as necessary. m) To initiate publications, publicity and marketing material for the project, working closely with the Head of Communications. n) To convince partners, policy makers and other stakeholders to adopt an evidence based, best practice approach to pine marten research o) To contribute to the development of the FC s strategic vision for the Forest of Dean p) To contribute and advise on other reintroduction or conservation management projects as required by GWT or the FC 9. Office, training and personnel a) To manage allocated budgets, in adherence with financial authorities and procedures, keeping records for expenditure that can be attributed directly to activities especially where funding claims/audits are necessary

3 b) To update budgets according to new information and activity changes c) To work closely with the Director of Finance to produce timely, accurate financial management information d) To report any issues which impact on other departments or affect safe working practices e) To minimise work backlogs and prioritise workloads to meet targets f) To attend annual appraisals with the Director of Conservation and identify training needs g) To be familiar with GWT Policies and Procedures and implement them as appropriate h) To participate in appropriate promotional activities 10. Liaison, marketing and recruitment a) Ensure that effective and efficient liaison is maintained with staff and volunteers b) Distribute membership, promotional and recruitment literature where appropriate 11. Tools, equipment, vehicles and materials 12. General a) Report any faults or deficiencies in equipment to the Director of Conservation b) Keep the Director of Conservation advised of current and future requirements for equipment a) Carry out other duties from time to time as required b) Present a friendly, professional, confident and tidy appearance c) Keep Health and Safety matters as the over-riding determinant at all times and in all circumstances

4 Qualifications and Skills required The officer must be able to prioritise work towards the project s objectives and in accordance with the funders requirements. Skills Excellent oral and written communication skills Extensive survey and monitoring skills, experience of radio-telemetry and camera-trapping would be particularly useful Excellent time management skills Excellent organisational skills Full UK driving licence Able to manage and analyse complex multi-factorial spatial data using packages such as QGIS, R or Minitab First Aid at work certificate Pine marten field sign ID skills Knowledge and experience Degree in ecology, conservation biology or similar discipline Experience of undertaking carnivore field surveys Experience of using GIS, including spatial models Experience of managing budgets greater than 100,000 In-depth knowledge and experience of species reintroduction programmes Significant experience of project management Experience of managing relationships with key partners Personal attributes: - Good attention to detail Ability to prioritise and meet deadlines High degree of initiative and self-reliance Pragmatism, tact and diplomacy, with an ability to work with partners Enthusiasm, motivation and dedication Personal commitment to the environment and wildlife conservation A reasonable level of personal fitness Experience of techniques for surveying elusive species Experience of scientific writing Up-to-date knowledge of Mustelid and carnivore ecology Experience of working with volunteers Experience of delivering and reporting on grant funded projects Media experience (e.g. print, social, audio, televisual) Experience of running public engagement activities Knowledge of health and safety legislation and safe working practices Experience of community engagement work Formal project management training e.g. PRINCE2

5 Additional Information Training and Development As part of its commitment to investing in its people, The Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust trains and supports its staff in the delivery of their duties. Advice will be given in drawing up a personal development plan and all suggestions considered according to resources available and the overriding priorities of the Trust. An appraisal process is carried out every year. Outline Conditions This post is a 5 years full-time, 35 hours per week appointment. Due to the nature of the Trust s work, evening or weekend work is usually necessary for which time off in lieu is given. A contributory pension scheme is in operation and the post holder is entitled to 21 days paid leave per year in addition to public holidays. All staff are required to work within the policies and procedures of the Trust, to work harmoniously with each other and to provide appropriate assistance and advice to colleagues when desirable for the effective undertaking of their respective responsibilities, and to undertake other duties appropriate to the post as delegated by their line manager. A willingness to be flexible about working arrangements and to provide occasional cover for absent staff is desirable in order to maintain organisational effectiveness. Office Location and Travel Requirements Office facilities will be available for you at Bank House, Coleford and Robinswood Hill Country Park, Gloucester with your normal place of work being Bank House, Coleford. Other Requirements A full valid UK driving license and adherence to defensive driving practices. The job will be physically and mentally demanding with a large element of lone working and, occasionally, long days of fieldwork.