Nature Conservation and Engagement Officers (x2)

Are you ready to make a difference at one of the most crucial wildlife sites in southern England? If you have a deep passion for wildlife and conservation, and a love for engaging with people to create positive experiences, the Board of the Conservators of Ashdown Forest presents an exciting opportunity to appoint two Nature Conservation and Engagement Officers to help shape the future of Ashdown Forest.

About the roles: These newly created positions will become vital members of our team, driving day-to-day operational activities across the Forest. With good ecological knowledge and strong interpersonal and communication skills, these roles will enable us to achieve our vision.

We are looking for two enthusiastic and motivated people with a passion for wildlife conservation, heathland management and public engagement to deliver the management of works across Ashdown Forest. This will involve organising and undertaking volunteer work parties, leading guided walks, and engaging positively with stakeholders about the Forest. This will also include conducting ecological surveys and undertaking a range of practical habitat and site management tasks.

About the Forest: Originally a deer hunting forest, Ashdown Forest is now one of the largest free public access spaces in the Southeast and an internationally important heathland. The responsibility for managing Ashdown Forest on behalf of the Owner, who since 1988 has been the Ashdown Forest Trust, lies with an independent body, the Board of Conservators of Ashdown Forest. The Board, created in 1885, has been regulated under a series of Acts of Parliament, the most recent being the Ashdown Forest Act 1974.

The Board has a strategic vision to protect, conserve, and enhance the nature and culture of Ashdown Forest, the most extensive biodiverse heathland and open space in Sussex, for the enjoyment, education, health, and recreation of all.

Working under the Head of Countryside, you will support the organisation’s goal of achieving favourable condition for the SSSI through exemplary land management, reverse the decline of biodiversity loss, and provide an outstanding visitor experience.

This role will require some out-of-hours work and being part of a weekend work rota. This role must have the ability to drive.

For an application form and information pack (in word format), please go to Work for us | The Conservators of Ashdown Forest

Closing date for applications Sunday, 18th May 2025

The Conservators of Ashdown Forest, The Ashdown Forest Centre, Wych Cross, Forest Row, East Sussex, RH18 5JP www.ashdownforest.org