---

Job description

We are looking for an outstanding Site Manager to lead the next chapter for WWT Castle Espie, our incredible wetland reserve on the shores of Strangford Lough. This is a rare opportunity to lead a site where conservation, people and place come together. Castle Espie encompasses 26 hectares of diverse wetland and coastal habitats, and WWT also manages around 400 hectares of foreshore on Strangford Lough on behalf of the Crown Estate. The Lough supports internationally important numbers of Light-bellied Brent geese as well as many other important species. As Site Manager, you will have overall responsibility for Castle Espie, leading its team of staff and volunteers and delivering against our conservation, financial and visitor objectives. You will take an active and practical lead in maximising the wildlife and habitat potential of both the reserve and the areas of Strangford Lough in WWT’s care. It is a role for someone who is equally comfortable out on the reserve discussing habitat management, leading and developing a team, reviewing budgets and performance or making sure visitors receive a warm welcome and leave with a stronger connection to wetlands. Castle Espie is entering an important new chapter, with a refreshed focus on its role as a hub for wetland nature conservation on Strangford Lough. You will have the opportunity to help bring that proposition to life, strengthening the connection between the site, the Lough and the extraordinary wildlife that benefit from it. About You We are looking for an experienced manager and inspiring leader who combines strong conservation knowledge with the confidence and judgement needed to run a complex operational site. You will have substantial practical experience of managing land for conservation and of developing and implementing conservation management plans. Just as importantly, you will be an effective people and operational manager. You will have experience of leading and developing staff, managing budgets and balancing competing priorities. Ideally, you will have gained this experience within a visitor-facing environment. You'll enjoy being a visible leader and be comfortable getting involved in the practical realities of running the site. Above all, you will recognize the potential of this very special place and be excited by the opportunity to help Castle Espie become an even stronger centre for wetland conservation and a gateway to the wildlife and landscapes of Strangford Lough.

Responsibilities

• You will have overall responsibility for Castle Espie, leading its team of staff and volunteers and delivering against our conservation, financial and visitor objectives
• You will take an active and practical lead in maximising the wildlife and habitat potential of both the reserve and the areas of Strangford Lough in WWT’s care

Skills and Qualifications

Essential Skills

• Demonstrable experience of managing significant areas of land to achieve conservation objectives
• Experience of developing and implementing conservation management plans and associated work programmes
• Proven general management experience, ideally within a visitor centre, nature reserves and attraction
• A degree or equivalent level of education

Further Information

This is a full-time role working 37.5 hours per week, five days out of seven.