Surrey is a diverse county of lowland heathland, calcareous grassland, woodland and wetlands. We are working hard to re-connect the landscape using an evidence-based approach, through practical habitat management, partnership working, community engagement and nature-based solutions.
We are looking to recruit a Conservation Team Manager to lead our team of Reserve Officers, to deliver nature conservation and restoration on over 60 nature reserves across the county, many of which have international conservation designations. The successful candidate will be a strong minded and practical person, with project and budget management skills and able to use logical thinking and imagination to expand and explore alternative approaches to nature restoration in Surrey.
The role requires the candidate to have a background in ecology with experience of a variety of habitats. They must be passionate about, and skilled in, nature conservation and able to motivate and drive a team of Reserves Officers, prioritising effectively to swiftly changing demands and complex issues.
You must have previous experience of successfully working within the environmental sector matched with an out-going, personable and friendly approach, and the ability to work with a wide range of people.
Initially this role will manage all the Reserves Officers as one team working across the county whilst a colleague is on maternity leave; it is anticipated that in Spring/early Summer 2026, the role will be split across two areas broadly in the line with the revised Unitary Authority structure due to be put in place as a result of local government devolution.
SWT are looking to lead the way in Surrey to create functioning ecosystems, at scale, that provide resilience, biodiversity and increase bio-abundance for the benefit not only of nature but people too. This will require innovative and creative thinking as we move from nature conservation to nature restoration so someone with the energy to lead on this and support the team to turn this vision to reality is essential.
If you believe you have the experience for the role and are able to fulfil the criteria outlined in the job profile, please complete an application form, or provide a covering letter and CV, and send it to by midday on Wednesday 14th January 2026. Interviews will be held in late January. The job profile and application form are available below.
If you would like to have an informal discussion about the role or the salary, please contact Catherine Roberts, Deputy Chief Executive on 07967 575263.