Wildlife Manager

ORCA
ORCA

Cumbria, UK

GBP 34,437-34,437 / year

Posted on Oct 17, 2026

Summary

Ready to lead wildlife conservation at landscape scale in the Lake District? As Wildlife Manager, you'll use evidence-based approaches to manage wildlife populations, assess ecological impacts and deliver practical conservation action. From leading deer, grey squirrel and invasive predator management programmes to supporting species recovery and habitat restoration, you'll play a key role in creating sustainable outcomes that benefit both wildlife and people.

Salary: £34,437 per annum
Contract Duration: Fixed term until 28th February 2029
Working Hours: You will work 37.5 hours per week, including some evening and weekend work.

Interviews will take place Tuesday 3rd November and will be held at Bowe Barn, Borrowdale Rd, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5UP. If you have any further questions about the role, please contact Martin.Thwaites@nationaltrust.org.uk.

What it's like to work here

The Lake District is England's largest National Park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to nationally important habitats, wildlife and landscapes. Reporting to the Tree & Woodland Manager, you'll join a team committed to delivering nature recovery at scale, working across property boundaries with colleagues, tenant farmers, landowners and conservation partners to achieve shared outcomes. You'll help develop and deliver landscape-scale approaches to wildlife management, working across boundaries to achieve nature recovery outcomes.

This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of wildlife management, restore habitats and deliver real-world biodiversity recovery in one of the UK's most iconic landscapes. This role is based at Bowe Barn, where you'll be expected to work at least two days per week, but you'll also regularly use office hubs across the Lake District as part of the role.

What you'll be doing

You'll lead and coordinate deer, grey squirrel and mink management programmes across the Lake District, delivering sustainable wildlife management that supports woodland expansion, habitat restoration and biodiversity recovery. Using ecological evidence and monitoring data, you'll assess wildlife populations and their impacts, helping to inform management decisions and evaluate outcomes.

Working with National Trust teams, tenant farmers, neighbouring landowners and conservation partners, you'll champion collaborative, landscape-scale approaches to wildlife management. As a key source of expertise for wildlife management, you'll build strong relationships, represent the National Trust in wildlife management partnerships and deliver expert management of our nature recovery ambitions across the Lake District.

You'll line manage and support an Assistant Wildlife Manager, providing leadership, coaching and technical expertise to help them develop and succeed in their role. Together, you'll coordinate the work of National Trust stalkers, contractors and other partners to deliver safe, effective and sustainable species management programmes across the Lake District, supporting healthier, more resilient habitats.

Who we're looking for

We'd love to hear from you if you have:

  • Strong experience in wildlife conservation, wildlife management, countryside management or a closely related field.
  • Experience developing and delivering wildlife management programmes, using ecological evidence and monitoring data to inform decisions and evaluate outcomes.
  • A strong understanding of the challenges and opportunities involved in balancing conservation objectives across a working landscape.
  • Strong relationship-building skills, with the ability to work collaboratively and influence partners, landowners, communities and conservation organisations.
  • Experience leading and coordinating staff, volunteers, partners or contractors to deliver shared conservation outcomes.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including public presentation.
  • Good organisational skills and the ability to plan, prioritise and deliver work safely and effectively.
  • A full, clean UK driving licence.

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 (for roles that meet the salary criteria)
  • 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
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