Countryside Manager

We’re looking for a dynamic and forward-thinking Countryside Manager to lead for this at the Blickling Estate in Norfolk. With great leadership and people management skills and experience of countryside management, you’ll lead a ranger team to deliver an exciting and ambitious programme of habitat management and restoration. You will also collaborate with internal colleagues, tenants, regional and national land and nature partners to build a resilient and sustainable environment.

You’ll help people to understand, connect with and enjoy our landscapes, heritage, and wildlife, making a difference to people every day.

What it's like to work here

We have big ambitions for nature recovery, climate adaptation, sustainable land management and increasing access. Blickling Estate offers an incredible opportunity to work collaboratively to deliver tangible change in all these areas, to be bold and innovative and to make a real difference.

Blickling is a beautiful rural Norfolk estate. Our 4,600 acres include: a large area of parkland and woodland with many notable veteran and ancient trees; areas of ecological interest along the corridor of the River Bure; a wide range of semi natural habitats of significant nature conservation interest; and numerous agricultural tenancies. There is considerable potential for ecological enhancement and regeneration.

Reporting to the General Manager, you’ll be a key part of the Blickling Leadership Team, working closely with other departments and teams to develop estate-wide strategies and long-term planning for our future.

What you'll be doing

We’re looking for someone who really gets people, wants to work closely with them and is enthused by empowering and supporting a team to deliver great results. You’ll be leading your team of four in day-today and seasonal care of the countryside, improving access, delivering conservation projects, and engaging with our visitors outdoors.

You’ll have the satisfaction of helping to look after a wide range of habitats including commercial plantation and ancient woodlands, wood pasture, parkland, grasslands, floodplains and waterscapes. You will also work closely with our Riverlands Project, which seeks to improve the health of the headwaters of the River Bure chalk stream and surrounding watershed.

Some weekend and bank holiday working are required.

Who we're looking for

We’re looking for someone imaginative, collaborative and who loves to share ideas, alongside the following experience:

• understanding of nature conservation and public land management/land use change.
• project and budget management skills.
• ability to lead an inclusive team.
• ability to demonstrate where you’ve delivered change and results.
• effective negotiating, influencing and communication skills.
• outstanding service, engagement, and people skills.
• a desire to make a difference, show initiative, and work towards an environmentally friendly, welcoming Blickling Estate.

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)
• Rental deposit loan scheme
• Season ticket loan
• EV car lease scheme
• Perks at work discounts such as 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 Trust places