Project Manager - Seabird Recovery

Location: You will be based at our Head Office, St Mary’s, Isles of Scilly. Hybrid Working is available if already resident on the Isles on Scilly.
Full time: 37.5 hours per week
Fixed Term contract: to 31st March 2027, for the development phase of the project – possibility of extension dependent on funding

We are embarking on an ambitious and landmark project to help protect and restore globally important seabird populations across the Isles of Scilly. As Project Manager, you’ll play a central role in preparing for the successful delivery of a complex and high-profile rat eradication programme, one that will have lasting benefits for wildlife, habitats, and island communities.

We are seeking an experienced and talented Project Manager who is as comfortable managing budgets and reporting to funders as they are chatting with members of the public. The successful candidate will excel at developing efficient processes, navigating complex logistical challenges, and bringing together diverse partners and stakeholders. You’ll be someone who thrives on problem-solving and collaboration, combining strong organisational and logistical skills with sound judgement, creativity, and the ability to build positive relationships. You will have experience of working with local communities and stakeholders in a collaborative and sensitive way. You will have substantial experience of working in conservation or in other equally complex situations, and will be confident managing contractors, technical specialists, and community engagement activities. Line-management responsibilities will be for the Seabird Recovery team which consists of two members of staff in first instance, but this may increase depending on project needs. Above all, you’ll share our passion for keeping Scilly special - and bring the drive, flexibility, and commitment needed to help us deliver a project of global ecological significance. If this sounds like you, then we look forward to your application for this exciting and significant role.

About Us

The Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust is the only charity managing land for wildlife in Scilly. We are the UK’s smallest Wildlife Trust, but we have by far the greatest impact in relation to the scale of our place, being responsible for about half of the land across the Isles of Scilly. We are central to the tourism industry and the largest part of the local voluntary sector. We manage our land for rare species and habitats, for its outstanding archaeological interest, and to provide access, enjoyment and understanding to local people and visitors. We are one of 46 Wildlife Trusts – a grassroots movement of people from a wide range of backgrounds and all walks of life, who believe that we need nature and nature needs us. Together we have more than 944,000 members across the UK, with have over 38,000 volunteers and 3,600 staff, and 600 trustees caring for 100,000 hectares of land. We act together to reverse the loss of wildlife, prevent climate catastrophe and ensure everyone has access to nature on their doorstep.

About You

This is a pivotal role, and we’re looking for an experienced and adaptable project manager with a strong track record of delivering complex, multi-partner projects - ideally within conservation, environmental management, or similarly intricate operational settings. You will have the confidence and capability to oversee the planning, coordination, and preparation of a major seabird recovery project, ensuring that all strands of work align effectively to deliver measurable outcomes on time and within scope. You will combine exceptional organisational and logistical skills with sound judgement, creativity, and a calm, solutions-focused approach.

Solid experience of working with the public to bring about a major project, managing contractors, technical specialists, and collaborating with project partners will be key, as will the ability to anticipate challenges, plan proactively, and adapt to evolving priorities. You’ll bring excellent communication and interpersonal skills, enabling you to build strong relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, from members of the local community to project partners to technical experts and funders. You will understand the importance of collaboration and diplomacy in maintaining trust and momentum across a diverse partnership.

Line management experience would be an advantage, as you lead and support team members through different phases of the project. You’ll be confident fostering a positive, inclusive working culture that encourages others to deliver their best work and feel part of something meaningful. Above all, you’ll share our passion for protecting what makes the Isles of Scilly so special. You’ll be motivated by the opportunity to make a tangible difference for seabirds, habitats, and the wider island community; helping to deliver one of the most significant conservation initiatives of its kind in the UK.

Please be aware we may not accept applications if we have reason to believe they have been wholly produced using generative AI tools.

Closing date for applications: Midnight 2 December 2025
First interview: Week beginning 8 December 2025
Second interview: Week beginning 15 December 2025