SAMM Project Team Leader
South Downs National Park Authority
Position: SAMM Project Team Leader
Location: Based at South Downs Centre, Midhurst, working from the Bordon area and other locations
Closing Date: 16 August 2026
Interview Date: 1 September 2026
Salary: £35,281 to £42,553 (£21,168 to £25,531 pro rata)
Hours: 22.2 hours per week
Type of post: Fixed term: 2 years from start date (with immediate start preferable)
The Wealden Heath Strategic Access Management and Monitoring (SAMM) Project protects and enhances vulnerable heathland sites and provides expertise and resources to mitigate the impacts of increased recreational pressure at selected designated wildlife sites for East Hampshire District Council (EHDC) and Whitehill & Bordon Town Council (WTC).
The project involves 12 organisations that have been working together since 2021 to protect and enhance Shortheath Common Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and the Wealden Heath (Phase II) Special Protection Area (SPA), located on the northern boundary of the South Downs National Park. The project covers seven key heathland sites: Ludshott Common, Woolmer Forest, Shortheath Common, Bramshott Common, Broxhead Common, Kingsley Common and Longmoor Inclosure.
We are looking for a dynamic individual with a passion for conservation and communication to manage the SAMM project team and to deliver the EHDC and WTC SAMM contracts. You will have excellent project management skills, experience of managing conflicting demands and delivering project outcomes to time and within budget.
You will have strong interpersonal skills and the ability to establish, develop, and maintain positive working relationships with all key stakeholders.
As well as project and team management, the role involves developing and delivering a communication plan for the project, so excellent communication skills in a range of media are essential.
Occasional weekend working will be required.
To apply:
Please apply via the button shown to upload your CV and complete our application, referring to the person specification.
SDNPA is an inclusive organisation, and we welcome applications from everyone irrespective of sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnicity, faith and religion, disability and age.
We operate a Guaranteed Interview Scheme (GIS) for disabled applicants.
In all circumstances, the SDNPA appoints on merit based on evidence the applicant supplies in meeting the essential criteria for the post. Further information on our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion can be found on our website.
SDNPA Enhanced Benefits
- Flexible working – (this is available for the majority of our roles. However, some positions may require on-site presence and /or specific hours due to business needs)
- Local government pension scheme
- Electric Vehicle Salary Sacrifice Scheme
- Heat Scheme (capped interest-free green home improvement loan, available on a first-come, first-served basis)
- Healthcare - includes cash plan, counselling and wellbeing discounts
- Access to Health and Wellbeing portal and webinars
- 28 days' annual leave, increasing to 31 days, plus bank holidays
- Professional development support
- Cycle to work scheme
- Car sharing
- Use of pool cars
- Regular staff events/activities, which support the SDNPA’s Purposes and Duty
About South Downs National Park Authority
The South Downs National Park Authority (SDNPA) is responsible for keeping the South Downs a special place. The SDNPA is also the planning authority for the National Park.
The Authority is a public body, funded by government, and run by a Board of 27 Members.
The South Downs National Park Authority (SDNPA) is responsible for keeping the South Downs a special place. The SDNPA is also the planning authority for the National Park. The Authority is a public body, funded by government, and run by a Board of 27 Members.
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