The Aire Valley is like nowhere else in nature conservation in the UK – this is your opportunity to lead it into its next exciting phase. We are looking for a new Senior Site Manager to take forward our vision for the Aire Valley and to work with our partners and funders to help develop the projects that will realise its potential as a national exemplar of everything that accessible, inclusive, nature-rich greenspaces can and should be.

Sat on the doorstep of more than 5 million people, and welcoming over 150,000 visitors per year, the Aire Valley is unique. The RSPB manages two sites in the Valley – St Aidan’s Nature Park and Fairburn Ings Nature Reserve. Together, these make up 6.5km squared of greenspace that is alive with incredible wildlife and fantastic recreational opportunities for people, while also acting as important flood storage sites that protect local people from flooding. This is all the more incredible given both sites were formerly intensively mined for coal; but it is this combination of rich cultural and natural heritage that makes the Aire Valley so special. It is a true conservation success story of restoration and hope. The landscape has been transformed from one of open-cast mining, deep mine shafts and spoil heaps to a wetland mosaic supporting breeding bitterns, spoonbills, black-necked grebes, bearded tits, lapwings, redshanks, and many others, in a setting that means they can be enjoyed by everyone from a casual local visitor to a seasoned birder.

You will lead a large and integrated team of staff and volunteers, so we are looking for someone with a proven track record of strong people management skills, volunteer management and development, and ideally experience as a volunteer yourself. Our relationships with the local communities are of key importance in the Aire Valley so you will need to be comfortable with managing multiple stakeholders and bringing both accessibility and credibility to those relationships.

The Aire Valley is amazing, but there is still more to be done and this vacancy is the opportunity to see that through and unlock the Valley’s potential for both wildlife and people.

Essential skills, knowledge and experience:

• Diplomacy
• Ability to manage large complex budgets
• Experience of managing large scale projects
• Knowledge of Health, Safety & Environmental management
• Contract management knowledge
• Cross-compliance/risk management knowledge
• Relevant site-specific specialist knowledge (e.g. wetland management, trading, visitor experience)
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Leadership skills and experience
• Individual and team management skills
• Influencing and negotiation skills
• Time management and prioritisation skills
• Experience of managing people (staff and volunteers)

This is a permanent, full-time role for 37.5 hours per week.

We are looking to conduct interviews for this position on 9th and 17th September 2024. For further information please contact richard.barnard@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.

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.

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