Assistant Wildlife Manager

Contract Duration: Fixed term until 28th February 2029
Working Hours: You will work 37.5 hours per week, including some weekend working.
Ref: IRC179976

Ready to work at landscape scale and help shape the future of wildlife conservation in the Lake District? From supporting iconic species to improving habitats across a living, working landscape, your work as an Assistant Wildlife Manager will contribute to lasting benefits for both wildlife and people. In this role, you'll use evidence-based approaches to monitor wildlife populations, assess ecological impacts and deliver practical conservation action.

Interviews will be held on 13th October 2026 at Bowe Barn, Borrowdale Rd, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5UP. If you have any further questions about the role, please contact [email protected].

What it's like to work here

The Lake District is England's largest National Park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to nationally important habitats, wildlife and landscapes. You'll be joining a team passionate about restoring nature and delivering landscape-scale conservation across the Lake District. Reporting to the Wildlife Manager, you'll work alongside National Trust colleagues, volunteers, landowners, conservation organisations and local communities to deliver meaningful outcomes for wildlife.

This is a varied role that combines practical fieldwork, species monitoring, project delivery and partnership working, offering excellent opportunities to develop your skills and experience in wildlife conservation and land management. This role is based at Bowe Barn, where you'll be expected to work at least two days per week. You'll also regularly use office hubs across the Lake District as part of the role.

What you'll be doing

You'll support the delivery of wildlife conservation and habitat management programmes across a range of habitats, including woodlands, wetlands, grasslands and upland landscapes. Working closely with colleagues and partners, you'll carry out habitat surveys, species monitoring and biodiversity projects, collecting and analysing ecological data to help inform conservation decisions. You'll also contribute to reports, maps and management plans that support practical conservation across the landscape.

A key part of the role will involve supporting species management programmes, including red squirrel conservation and deer management. You'll work with landowners, volunteers, communities and partner organisations to coordinate monitoring, habitat management and conservation activity, while contributing to habitat impact assessments and wider wildlife management projects.

You'll help engage people with our conservation work through events, guided walks and volunteer activities, building positive relationships with a wide range of stakeholders. You'll also support project planning, reporting and funding applications, helping to secure and deliver projects that create lasting benefits for wildlife and people.

Who we're looking for

We'd love to hear from you if you have:

• Experience in wildlife conservation, wildlife management, countryside management or a closely related field
• Experience undertaking wildlife surveys, species monitoring or habitat assessments, and using the results to support practical conservation decisions
• An understanding of the challenges and opportunities involved in balancing conservation objectives across a working landscape
• Strong relationship-building skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with partners, landowners, volunteers and local communities
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including public presentation
• Good organisational skills and the ability to plan, prioritise and deliver work safely and effectively
• A full, clean UK driving licence

The package

The National Trust has the motto ‘For everyone, for ever’ at its heart. We’re working hard to create an inclusive culture, where everyone feels they belong. It’s important that our people reflect and represent the diversity of the communities and audiences we serve. We welcome and value difference, so when we say we’re for everyone, we want everyone to be welcome in our teams too.

• Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary
• Free entry to National Trust places for you, a guest and your children (under 18)
• Rental deposit loan scheme
• Season ticket loan
• EV car lease scheme (for roles that meet the salary criteria)
• Perks at work discounts such as gym memberships, shopping discount codes, cinema discounts
• Holiday allowance up to 32 days relating to length of service, plus holiday purchase scheme, subject to meeting minimum criteria.
• Flexible working whenever possible
• Employee assistance programme
• Free parking at most Trust places

Closing Date: 04 October 2026

To apply for this vacancy simply click the 'apply' button below.

If you need any help with your application, i.e. due to technical difficulties, please call us on 0370 240 0274 or email us at [email protected]

If you require an adjustment to the application process, for example due to disability or medical condition, please call us on 0370 240 0274 or email us at [email protected] and we'll support you as best as we can. For examples of how, please see our page.

Equal Opportunities Statement

The National Trust celebrates diversity and is committed to creating a fair and equal society, free from discrimination. You can read more about our commitment to inclusion and diversity.

Safeguarding Statement

The National Trust is committed to a safe recruitment processes to help the organisation attract and appoint the right staff/volunteer for the role and responsibilities as set out in the vacancy advert. We will not accept applicants who are not suitable to work with children, young people or adults at risk. If you have any questions around your suitability for this vacancy, please contact the people service centre.