Senior Conservation Officer (12-Month Maternity Cover)

Are you passionate about nature's recovery in our towns and cities? Do you want to play a key role in creating, restoring and managing habitats that help wildlife thrive across Birmingham and the Black Country? If so, we'd love to hear from you.

Birmingham and Black Country Wildlife Trust is the leading charity working to protect and restore nature across Birmingham and the Black Country. We manage and enhance important habitats, work with communities to create space for wildlife, and inspire people to take action for nature's recovery. Through practical conservation, ecological restoration, education, advocacy and community engagement, we are working towards a future where wildlife and people can thrive together.

We're looking for individuals with strong practical conservation skills, excellent organisational abilities and a collaborative approach to working with others. Whether supporting learners, volunteers, community groups, corporate partners or contractors, you'll be confident building positive relationships and helping others contribute to nature's recovery. Above all, you'll share our commitment to creating a wilder Birmingham and Black Country and be motivated by the opportunity to make a lasting impact for wildlife.

This is a flexible role, based in our offices at Centre of the Earth and EcoPark, Birmingham with an expectation of 3 or 4 days per week in the office or at sites. Frequent travel across Birmingham and The Black Country is expected, but with the option of some home working where appropriate. Occasional travel nationally may be required.

Lead the delivery of biodiversity enhancement and habitat creation projects across Birmingham and the Black Country, with a particular focus on freshwater habitats and ecological restoration. You'll work closely with partners, community groups and colleagues to deliver meaningful outcomes for nature and help drive the Trust's nature recovery ambitions.

Job Description

Job Title: Senior Conservation Officer (12 Month Maternity Cover)

Department: Nature Recovery

Location: Centre of the Earth & EcoPark or other site/location

Responsible to: Conservation Manager

Responsible for: Project Officers (where relevant), volunteers, placements, trainees and any team members assisting with project work

Purpose of the post: To develop and lead ecological restoration projects across Birmingham and the Black Country and contribute to the development and leadership of the conservation team.

Key Responsibilities

Main Objectives

• Develop and lead the delivery of grant and contract-funded biodiversity enhancement and habitat creation projects across Birmingham and the Black Country.
• Manage team members (at officer level) to support the delivery of biodiversity enhancement and habitat creation projects.
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with partner organisations, responding to funding and contract opportunities and delivering presentations and attending events where relevant.
• Build ongoing and strong relationships with community groups working for biodiversity improvement across the region.
• Maintain project records and data, working closely with EcoRecord colleagues, using GIS or other digital formats where applicable.
• Play a proactive role in managing health and safety when working with colleagues, volunteers, community groups, contractors, and partners.

Funding and Administration:

• Work with colleagues and other organisations to identify and develop income generation and funding opportunities for river corridor restoration work, leading on or assisting with grant applications and tenders.
• Collate and submit project reports and grant claims to project funders and internal audiences.
• Assist in the preparation of annual budgets, work programmes, and reporting requirements for your area of work.
• Undertake financial management of projects including tracking income and expenditure, providing budget forecasts, and produce purchase orders and invoices as required.
• Procure the services of contractors and purchase materials required to deliver projects in line with the Trust's procurement policy.
• Recruit, supervise and train employees and volunteers with the appropriate skills to support your area of work.

Supporting others internally:

• Support the Trust's Content and Communications Officer in managing project communications and by providing content to promote the achievements and impact of projects.
• Support senior Trust colleagues to develop and deliver the organisational strategy.
• Work with and support all colleagues in all aspects of project management and delivery.
• Contribute to the development of relevant competencies across the Nature Recovery team, and deliver internal training for colleagues and volunteers in your area of expertise.

Other Responsibilities

• Contribute to the continuous development of Nature Recovery at BBCWT.
• Contribute to knowledge sharing, service development and team learning.
• Represent the organisation positively when engaging withstakeholders, volunteers, visitors and partners.
• Act as an ambassador for the Trust, forming and maintaining positive relationships with volunteers, visitors and other organisations, and promoting membership wherever possible.
• Carry out any other reasonable duties commensurate with the level of responsibility of the post, as requested by your line manager or the Chief Executive.