Nature Conservation and Engagement Officer

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 a Nature Conservation and Engagement Officer to help shape the future of Ashdown Forest.

About the roles

This is a full-time position, until 31st March 2027, with the intention to extend subject to successful funding. This role will be vital team member, delivering day-to-day operational activities across the Forest. With good ecological knowledge and strong interpersonal and communication skills, this role will enable us to achieve our vision.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated person who is passionate about wildlife conservation, heathland management, and public engagement to deliver management across Ashdown Forest. This will involve organising and undertaking ecological surveys and monitoring, leading volunteer work parties, guided walks, and engaging positively with stakeholders about the Forest, as well as 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 and bank holiday rota. This role requires the ability to drive.

We appreciate that candidates may not have some essential qualifications. If candidates can demonstrate enthusiasm to learn new skills and a desire to undertake courses once in position, this will be taken into consideration.

Closing date for applications Midnight, Sunday, 31st May 2026