Head of Conservation

About us:

The Barn Owl Trust is the UK’s leading Barn Owl conservation charity. Based in Devon and established in 1988, our practical conservation and groundbreaking research work have brought us international recognition. We have an extensive website providing information on all aspects of Barn Owl conservation. We run training courses, workshops, talk to children and adult groups, and we have a small nature reserve and provide sanctuary and rehabilitation for wild Barn Owls. Sustainability and environmental awareness are the keystones of all of the Trust’s activities.

What you will be doing:

You will join and provide leadership to a small, but perfectly formed, Management Team which strives to make a real difference to the UK's Barn Owl population. You will promote the use of evidence-based conservation practices, sound budget management, partnership working, and community engagement with passion and drive.

You will also line manage and mentor members of the conservation team, planning practical conservation work, educational outreach, research projects, information provision, and reserve management as well as live bird care and rehabilitation.

You will be an ambassador for the work of the Trust, and you will cultivate stability, ideas, and imagination in the way we support the Barn Owl population into the future and work closely with external partners to advance green finance initiatives.

What we need you to bring:

You will possess excellent management and leadership skills, and have a sound knowledge of UK wildlife and birdlife and the conservation challenges that they currently face. You will have experience of working with partners, funders, landowners and stakeholders, and the ability to adapt to new opportunities and approaches, as well as some research background and the willingness to test the research of others. We are looking for someone with excellent communication and negotiating skills, as well as proven project and budget management experience, identifying, securing and managing funding.

You must love working with, and managing, a team of dedicated conservationists and be willing to listen, learn, guide and, above all, motivate.

What we offer:

The chance to work as part of a small, friendly team in a pet-friendly office in a beautiful part of the country with daily access to our nature reserve. The opportunity to spread the conservation/environmental awareness message and to develop the work and sustainability of the Trust. We provide flexible working options. There are staff allotments for anyone wanting to grow their own food. 27 days annual leave (which goes up to 30-days after 5 years of service), plus bank holidays. NEST pension scheme.