Project Manager

Purpose of the Role

The Project Manager will lead the successful delivery of the Forest of Selwood Dormouse Recovery Project, a major landscape-scale conservation initiative funded by Natural England. The postholder will coordinate ecological surveys, habitat improvement activities, volunteer engagement, landowner liaison, project monitoring and reporting. Working closely with Trustees, volunteers, professional ecologists and partner organisations, they will ensure that project objectives, outputs and outcomes are delivered on time, within budget and to the required standards. The role combines project management, partnership development, ecological programme delivery and community engagement.

Key Responsibilities

Project Leadership and Management

• Lead and manage the overall delivery of the Dormouse Recovery Project.
• Develop and maintain detailed project delivery plans and work programmes.
• Monitor project progress against agreed milestones, outputs and budgets.
• Prepare progress reports for Trustees and Natural England.
• Identify and manage project risks and opportunities.
• Ensure compliance with funding agreements and project requirements.
• Contribute to the recruitment, induction and supervision of the Volunteer Coordinator.

Ecological Programme Delivery

• Coordinate annual monitoring of up to thirty survey sites in accordance with National Dormouse Monitoring Programme protocols.
• Schedule and oversee survey work undertaken by licensed ecologists and trained volunteers.
• Ensure accurate recording, management and submission of ecological data to relevant recording schemes and databases.
• Coordinate habitat assessments and support the development of habitat management plans.
• Commission and manage specialist ecological contractors and consultants where required.
• Undertake GIS analysis and lead other technical studies throughout the project.
• Support research elements of the project, including environmental DNA trials and habitat connectivity studies.

Landowner and Partnership Engagement

• Build and maintain positive relationships with landowners, farmers, conservation organisations and other stakeholders.
• Undertake site visits and facilitate discussions regarding habitat management and dormouse conservation.
• Support the development and implementation of habitat improvement plans.
• Represent the project at meetings, conferences and stakeholder events.

Volunteer and Community Engagement

• Manage the Volunteer Coordinator to recruit, train and support trainees and volunteers.
• Assist in the delivery of volunteer and trainee recruitment events, training sessions and community engagement activities.
• Foster a welcoming and inclusive volunteer culture.

Habitat Management and Conservation Delivery

• Coordinate annual habitat management programmes on participating sites.
• Ensure conservation works are delivered safely and effectively.
• Ensure landowners are enabled and supported to deliver habitat management through Agr-environment schemes
• Promote best practice habitat management for dormice and associated woodland species.

Networking and Communications

• Establish and support the Forest of Selwood Dormouse Recovery Network.
• Organise and deliver annual networking and training events.
• Prepare project updates, case studies and communications materials.
• Promote project achievements and learning through appropriate channels.

Financial and Administrative Management

• Monitor project expenditure and assist with budget management.
• Procure goods and services in accordance with organisational procedures.
• Maintain project records and documentation.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety requirements, safeguarding policies and organisational procedures.

Responsible For

Volunteer Coordinator (to be recruited), volunteers, consultants and contractors engaged in project delivery.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

1. Post Graduate degree in biological sciences, ecology or conservation
2. At least five years experience of dormouse surveying and conservation
3. At least five years experience of project management in wildlife conservation or ecological consultancy
4. Able to demonstrate a good understanding of woodland ecology, and habitat management for rare and threatened species.
5. At least ten years experience of organising fieldwork, surveys or habitat management programmes.
6. Able to demonstrate expertise in community engagement in nature based projects.
7. At least five years experience of working with multiple stakeholders, including landowners, volunteers and partner organisations.
8. Able to demonstrate a commitment to collaborative working.
9. At least five years of budget monitoring and project reporting.
10. At least five years experience of supervising staff, volunteers or contractors.
11. Able to demonstrate strong communication and interpersonal skills and experience of building productive relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
12. Willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends.
13. High level of competency in use of Microsoft Office applications, and the application of AI to project management
14. High level of competency in use of GIS
15. Demonstrate experience of the use of spatial analysis in the development of biodiversity action planning.
16. Hold a fully licence to survey and handle dormouse
17. Full Membership of a relevant professional body such as CIEEM
18. Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle and able to travel throughout the project area

Desirable Criteria

1. Detailed knowledge of agri-environment schemes and woodland management.
2. At least five years experience of working with multiyear grant-funded projects.
3. At least three years experience of commissioning and managing ecological consultants.
4. At least five years experience of research and working with academic institutions
5. At least five years experience of volunteer management and community engagement.
6. Able to demonstrate a working knowledge of the Forest of Selwood landscape

This is a fixed-term, part-time post. The post is subject to a three-month probationary period. Some evening and weekend working will be required to support events, for which time off in lieu will be given. The post holder will be based at home with regular travel to survey sites.