Do you have the passion, skills, and experience to help us tackle recreational disturbance across the UK?What’s the role about?The RSPB strongly supports responsible access to nature. It has proven physical and mental health benefits and being immersed in nature is how many people learn to understand, love and want to care for it. However, it is also true that there are some human behaviours which can unintentionally be damaging to wildlife.When recreational activity (e.g. dog walking, paddleboarding) causes a change in behaviour or directly damage wildlife or their habitats, this is called recreational disturbance, and for certain sensitive species and habitats the impact can be significant.This is an exciting opportunity for a dynamic, skilled and passionate Programme Manager to help find the balance between conservation and recreation, for the benefit of people and wildlife across the UK.As Programme Manager, you will be exceptionally self-motivated, using your initiative to collate information about recreational disturbance impacts and best practice interventions, maintaining an overview of the big picture without getting lost in the detail. You will use your excellent people and networking skills to engage with stakeholders across the conservation sector to determine what work is already happening, collate and share best practice, and identify evidence gaps and opportunities for new projects and support their development. You will lead on communications/advocacy with recreational groups and will act as a single point of contact, helping the sector to share best practice more effectively.This role is jointly funded by RSPB and the National Trust. The role will be managed by the RSPB but will report to a steering group with representatives from different organisations across the conservation sector. The role will work across all four UK countries. Key activities will include:Collating and maintaining an overview of who is doing what when it comes to recreational disturbance. This will involve online research and conversations with people from a range of organisations.Creating and maintaining an online hub for sharing of recreational disturbance best practice.Communicating with land managers, recreational bodies, enforcement agencies and regulators to advocate for recreational disturbance management measures. Identifying gaps in our current evidence base and workplans, then developing ways to fill those gaps. This may include submitting funding bids for additional disturbance-related roles.Organising conferences and meetings to support sharing of best practice.Line management of externally funded roles/volunteers as required.Representing RSPB - or supporting other RSPB representatives - on appropriate forums and groups across the 4 countries as needed.Essential knowledge, skills and experience:Good understanding of recreational disturbance challenges, drivers, and ecological impacts across a range of species and habitats.Understanding of relevant access legislation, public policy and dialogues and how these differs across the four UK countries.Ability to network, influence others, communicate effectively, build collaborative relationships and represent the organisation.Ability to be self-motivated and work independently, while fostering collaboration.Ability to work well under pressure, prioritise tasks effectively, and adapt to changing circumstances.Track record of solving issues quickly, efficiently and identifying and implementing creative solutions.Impressive time management and organisational skills.A tangible passion for nature.Desirable knowledge, skills and experience:Experience of project and programme management approaches.Experience/knowledge of recreational disturbance management interventions.We expect the post-holder to be home-based with occasional travel to locations across the UK, including overnight stays.This is a 2 year fixed-term full-time role for 37.5 hours per week. The RSPB reserves the right to extend or make this role permanent without further advertising dependent on business needs at the end of the contract term.We are looking to conduct interviews for this position from 19th May 2025. For further information please contact meriel.harrison@rspb.org.uk As part of this application process you will be asked to provide a copy of your CV and complete an application form including evidence on how you meet the skills, knowledge, and experience listed above.We are committed to developing an inclusive and diverse RSPB, in which everyone feels supported, valued, and able to be their full selves. To achieve our vision of creating a world richer in nature, we need more people, and more diverse people, on nature’s side. People of colour and disabled people are currently underrepresented across the environment, climate, sustainability, and conservation sector. If you identify as a person of colour and/or disabled, we are particularly interested in receiving your application. Contact us to discuss any additional support you may need to complete your application.The RSPB is an equal opportunities employer. This role is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.This role is not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship - the successful applicant will need to have a pre-existing Right to Work in the UK in order to be offered an employment contract. Before applying for this role, we recommend reading through the candidate guidance notes attached to the top of this advert.