We’re Recruiting

Woodland & Countryside Manager

Buxton Civic Association (BCA)
Salary: Circa £40,000 per annum, depending on skills and experience
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Contract: Permanent
Location: Buxton, Derbyshire

Help shape the future of Buxton’s woodlands and countryside

Are you passionate about nature conservation, habitat restoration and creating inspiring outdoor spaces for people and wildlife? Do you have the experience, vision and leadership skills to make a lasting difference to our natural environment?

Buxton Civic Association is looking for an enthusiastic and forward-thinking Woodland & Countryside Manager to lead the conservation, management and development of our extensive countryside estate.

Managing approximately 200 acres across 11 sites around Buxton, our estate is a much-loved natural and heritage asset. We are ambitious for its future and are looking to build on our existing portfolio, exploring opportunities to acquire and manage additional landscape areas for conservation, biodiversity and community engagement.

This is an exciting opportunity to combine hands-on woodland and countryside management with strategic leadership, partnership development and income generation, helping to protect and enhance these special places for future generations.

About the role

As a key member of our Senior Leadership Team and a deputy to the Chief Executive, you will lead the development and delivery of a compelling vision for BCA’s land holdings, balancing conservation priorities with public engagement, community benefit and long-term sustainability.

You will:

  • Lead conservation and land management, developing and delivering robust management plans across our diverse sites, habitats and landscapes.
  • Champion biodiversity, driving habitat restoration, wildlife monitoring and sustainable countryside management.
  • Lead and inspire your team, managing our Woodland Ranger and developing meaningful opportunities for volunteers to contribute their skills and enthusiasm.
  • Build strong partnerships, developing relationships with the Forestry Commission, Natural England, Derbyshire County Council and other statutory bodies, land managers and community organisations.
  • Secure investment and funding, identifying grant opportunities, developing project proposals and supporting fundraising for conservation and landscape improvements.
  • Explore new opportunities, helping shape BCA’s future strategy, including potential acquisitions and new ways to engage communities with nature.
  • Support sustainable income generation, developing activities, partnerships and commercial opportunities that align with our charitable mission.
  • Provide visible leadership, representing BCA confidently and championing nature and environmental issues across Buxton and the wider Peak District.

You will have the autonomy to make a real difference, supported by a committed team and an organisation with a strong heritage and an ambitious vision for the future.

About you

You will bring proven experience in woodland, countryside or environmental management, alongside a genuine passion for conservation and engaging people with the natural world.

You will have practical knowledge of woodland management, tree safety, habitat creation and wildlife monitoring, together with experience of developing management plans and working across multiple sites. You will be confident leading staff and volunteers, managing budgets and resources, and building constructive relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including statutory organisations.

We are looking for someone who can combine strategic thinking with a practical, hands-on approach. You will be an excellent communicator, an effective problem-solver and a confident representative of BCA, able to turn ideas into achievable plans and measurable results.

A relevant degree or equivalent demonstrable professional experience is essential, alongside appropriate outdoor health and safety knowledge. You will also need a full driving licence and the ability to work outdoors in all weathers across challenging terrain.

Experience of securing conservation funding, managing capital projects, developing community engagement activities and identifying income-generation opportunities would be particularly valuable.

Why join us?

At Buxton Civic Association, you will have the opportunity to:

  • Make a tangible difference to the conservation and future of approximately 200 acres of countryside across Buxton.
  • Help shape an ambitious future, including the potential expansion of our land portfolio.
  • Work with a wide network of conservation bodies, partners, volunteers and local communities.
  • Combine strategic leadership with practical conservation work.
  • Develop innovative projects that connect people with nature and protect our local environment for generations to come.

If you are ready to bring your expertise, enthusiasm and vision to a role where you can genuinely influence the future of Buxton’s natural landscape, we would love to hear from you.

To apply:

The job description and full details on how to apply can be found in the Recruitment Pack Woodlands & Countryside Manager. Please also complete our Equality Monitoring Form as part of your application.

Closing date: 12 Noon Friday 6 November.