Countryside Manager (Forest Keeper Team)

City of London

Countryside Manager (Forest Keeper Team)

Permanent & Full time

Salary: £44,934 - £50,545 per annum including all allowances

Location:  Epping Forest

Shift and Schedule – 35 hrs per week, rotational requirement to work 1 weekend in 4.

Are you an excellent manager, with proven success of leading teams in delivering outdoor operational services? Do you have extensive knowledge and experience of managing a protected landscape for visitors to enjoy? Can you promote sustainable approaches to the protection of natural habitats and historic landscapes?  We seek a solution-orientated, committed manager to help us conserve and protect this treasured landscape, welcome our rising visitor population and create a positive working environment at Epping Forest.

About Us

Epping Forest stretches from London’s East End for 14 miles out into Essex and covers over 6000 acres along with a further 2000 acres of ‘buffer land’ and receives over 10 million visits each year. Two thirds of the Forest is designated as SSSI and SAC and is home to over 50,000 veteran trees, ancient pollards, over 100 ponds and lakes, two registered parks, ancient monuments, and listed buildings.

The role

Reporting to the Head of Operations, you will help to implement and deliver the Epping Forest Management Strategy and plan, operational plans and policies and strategic projects within Epping Forest and its associated Buffer Land. You will ensure Epping Forest is a welcoming, clean, safe, and enjoyable destination for visitors by leading a team of Forest Keepers, Assistant Forest Keepers, and volunteers dedicated to regulating, conserving and protecting the Forest and associated land holdings. You will become an attested Constable working with colleagues in the Keeper and Enforcement team, to promote safe use and enjoyment of the Forest and Buffer Lands.

Our ideal Candidate

• Holds a Level 5 qualification in countryside management, agriculture/farm management, forestry, land conservation or equivalent level of experience in a related industry/discipline.
• Has experience of leading a team and of working with volunteers.
• Has experience in frontline visitor service and prioritises customer service excellence.
• Has experience of risk management, including writing risk assessments, safe systems of work and other safe working protocols, to comply with health and safety legislation and the safety of public, staff and volunteers in an open space environment.
• Has experience of managing contractors including developing specifications, tender processes, and monitoring performance during delivery.
• Has excellent verbal and written communication skills, excellent information technology skills and demonstratable fiscal management.
• Holds a full UK driving licence.

Benefits Include

• Competitive salary starting a £44,934 outer London pay scale, depending on experience (clear incremental progress points).
• 28 days annual leave plus public holidays (or time in lieu where applicable).
• Pension scheme operated in accordance with Local Government Pension Scheme
• Employee assistance programmes including mental well-being support.
• Bicycle Loan scheme
• Travel card scheme

Closing date: 12 noon on 13 May 2024

To apply online please click the apply button.

Alternatively, please contact 020 7332 3978 (24 hr answerphone) quoting reference number OENV0283.  A minicom service for the hearing impaired is available on 020 7332 3732.

The City of London Corporation is committed to Equal Opportunities and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.

Apply Here