Tor to Shore Helman Tor Reserves Officer

The Helman Tor Reserves Officer will lead delivery of the Tor to Shore project at Helman Tor Nature Reserve, managing a 735-acre landscape to restore and maintain priority habitats for important wildlife. The role oversees conservation grazing, habitat restoration, species recovery, volunteer coordination, and improved public access, while helping establish a new operational hub. Managing staff and trainees and working with volunteers and stakeholders, the postholder will support landscape-scale nature recovery and strengthen community engagement to safeguard Cornwall’s natural heritage.

The Helman Tor Reserves Officer will lead the delivery of the ambitious Tor to Shore project at Helman Tor Nature Reserve, Cornwall Wildlife Trust’s largest and most ecologically significant site. Working across a 735-acre nationally designated landscape, the postholder will play a key role in restoring and managing a rich mosaic of priority habitats, including lowland heathland, species-rich grasslands, wetlands, woodland, and mire, supporting nationally and internationally important wildlife.

The role will oversee the introduction and management of mixed conservation grazing using large herbivores, supporting natural habitat processes and long-term, low-input land management. Responsibilities include coordinating habitat creation and restoration works such as fencing, scrub clearance, glade creation, grassland restoration, wood-pasture development, and wildflower meadow creation, as well as contributing to species recovery for priority fauna and flora including marsh fritillary, willow tit, hazel dormouse, and rare plant species.

Based at Creney Farm, the postholder will help establish a new operational hub for reserve management, supporting livestock care, equipment use, and staff and trainee development. The role also includes improving public access and engagement through enhanced infrastructure, waymarking, educational signage, and community facilities.

A key element of the position is recruitment, training and management of annual trainees and the line management of the assistant reserves officer, who will assist in the management of the Helman Tor reserves. The postholder will also lead and coordinate regular volunteer work parties, delivering hands-on conservation in wildlife-sensitive or inaccessible areas. This includes supporting volunteers to gain practical skills, fostering an inclusive, intergenerational conservation community, and helping create pathways into careers in the environmental sector.

Working closely with reserve trainees, volunteers, contractors, and stakeholders, the Helman Tor Reserves Officer will contribute to landscape-scale nature recovery, strengthening habitat connectivity beyond the reserve boundary and safeguarding Cornwall’s natural heritage for the future.

This is a full time (37.5 hours per week), 5-year fixed term role, subject to confirmation of funding.

Benefits

• Cornwall Wildlife Trust operates excellent toil and flexible working policies
• Enhanced company holiday entitlement – starting at 25 days plus bank holidays and rising to a maximum 30 days over a period of time (1 day extra for each year worked after 4 complete years served)
• Christmas Business Closure for 2026
• All employees have access to the Employee Assistance Programme (24/7 counselling service) and Employee health and wellbeing portal
• Free onsite parking at Five Acres
• Stakeholder pension scheme (subject to eligibility)

We reserve the right to close the vacancy before the closing date if we receive suitable applicants.

The first round interviews are planned for Wednesday 25 February 2026, this can be subject to change.