Project Manager (Somerset Blue Heritage)

About The Role

Here at WWT, we believe that wetlands have an important role to play in transforming towns into climate resilient, nature-rich communities. Do you want to join us in making this happen in Somerset?

Our Somerset Blue Heritage Project, which builds on a successful five-year project in Bridgwater, will work with target urban communities in Bridgwater and beyond to co-design neighbourhood climate action plans which improve climate resilience through nature-based solutions, increased awareness and local stewardship. This two-year project, the first part of a longer-term five-year plan, will test concepts and pathways for delivery of scalable blue infrastructure projects that will leave a lasting legacy in and around our target communities.

We are seeking an enthusiastic and engaging Project Manager to lead the delivery of this pioneering project. In this role, you’ll engage a wide range of stakeholders, including local residents, businesses and public bodies, in scoping communities at risk and co-developing climate action plans, and manage the design and delivery of a suite of small-scale wetland interventions and interpretation assets. You’ll also be responsible for developing a pipeline of interventions and activities for delivery during the second phase of the project (subject to funding).

For the right candidate, we can offer the opportunity to shape and steer an innovative urban conservation project, as well as the chance to learn from our wider team of community engagement, wetland creation and research specialists.

This role is based at WWT Steart or partner offices in Bridgwater and offered on a 22-month fixed term contract, with potential (and desire) to extend subject to onward funding.

Elsewhere, this role might be called Community Engagement Manager.

Somerset Blue Heritage is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players, we are able to demonstrate how blue infrastructure can tackle climate-related challenges, from flooding to biodiversity loss, within urban communities in Somerset.

About You

We are looking for a dedicated and experienced conservationist with a strong belief in the benefits of nature-based solutions and a keen interest in and enthusiasm for urban conservation and community empowerment. You’ll be an engaging and inspiring communicator able to enthuse and encourage a variety of audiences. You’ll also have experience of building strong, trusting relationships with people from different backgrounds and with different viewpoints.

The right candidate will have a working knowledge of blue infrastructure and a proactive attitude towards designing and delivering wetland solutions in an urban environment.

If this sounds like you, then we would love to hear from you. Come and join us in delivering our vision of a world where healthy wetland nature thrives and enriches lives.

About Us

We’re WWT, and we’re on a mission to restore the super-powered ecosystems we call wetlands. There’s never been a more important moment for our work, and we’ve got some phenomenal people on the case.

Whether they’re taking a new visitor under their wing, or conducting ground-breaking research further afield, our team are second to none. And there’s nothing we love more than watching them soar.

Whatever you do here, you’ll be helping to restore wetlands and unlock their power. So, the only question left is, what role will you play?

Why you’ll love working at WWT

• Wake up every day knowing your work is helping to restore wetlands, and our world
• Be surrounded and inspired by our team of passionate, dedicated people
• 33 days annual leave (which goes up to 38 days after 5 years of service) – this includes bank holidays and you have flexibility to take those days whenever you want
• Free entry to all our wetland centres, including your family
• Free car parking and secure bike storage areas
• Colleague discount on shopping and memberships
• Cycle to work scheme
• Contributory pension scheme
• Life Assurance of three times your salary, for peace of mind for your loved ones
• Independent personal, workplace and financial advice from our Employee Assistance Programme

WWT is an equal opportunities employer and all applications will be considered solely on merit.

Registered Charity Number England & Wales, no 1030884 and Scotland, no SC039410