We’re looking for a Senior National Specialist – Nature Conservation to join us and play a key role in shaping how we restore and connect nature at scale.
You’ll provide expert, evidence-based insight to help us deliver ambitious conservation outcomes across diverse landscapes, from rural estates to urban environments. Working across teams and with external partners, you’ll turn evidence, research and emerging approaches into practical action that benefits nature, people and places, now and for the future.
A key part of the role will be influencing strategy and supporting delivery, helping ensure our work is coordinated, impactful and grounded in strong ecological expertise.
The National Trust’s commitment is “For everyone, for ever.” Bringing that promise to life starts with the people that work here. It means building teams with a diverse range of backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. It means creating an inclusive environment where everyone is able to thrive. Our positions are open to all, and we welcome applications from all backgrounds to support our ambitions of reflecting the communities we serve and ending unequal access.
What it's like to work here
Reporting to the Head of Nature Conservation, you’ll work across national, regional and property teams, supporting a shared approach to nature recovery.
As this is a national role, there is flexibility on your contractual place of work. Our hybrid working policy means you can balance office and home working with site visits and meetings at other National Trust places. We’ll talk about this in more detail at interview, but you should expect to be at a National Trust site for 40–60% of your working week.
What you'll be doing
As a Senior National Specialist, you’ll help shape and deliver our conservation ambition by providing strategic advice, specialist expertise and practical support to achieve resilient landscapes with restored functional ecosystems at their core.
You’ll work with colleagues across the organisation to develop coordinated approaches to habitat restoration and land management, helping to drive large-scale nature recovery and improve public benefit. You’ll build and apply a strong evidence base, keeping up to date with research, policy and best practice, and translating this into clear guidance and action.
You’ll also develop partnerships with academic institutions, stakeholders and other organisations to strengthen delivery beyond our boundaries. Alongside this, you’ll contribute to policy development, consultation responses and representing the organisation in external forums.
Building organisational capability will be key, through training, coaching and sharing best practice, you’ll help colleagues build the confidence and skills needed to deliver high-quality nature conservation and our Restore Nature objectives.
Who we're looking for
You’ll bring a broad range of the following knowledge, skills and experience, shaped by different roles, sectors or career paths, and the judgment to apply them effectively at scale;
* Strong expertise in terrestrial ecology with significant practical experience
* A relevant postgraduate qualification or equivalent professional experience
* Deep knowledge of habitat restoration and conservation in complex landscapes
* Working knowledge of relevant policies and legislative frameworks across the UK as they relate to our ambition to Restore Nature.
* Ability to interpret research, evidence and policy to inform strategy and delivery
* Experience building partnerships and working collaboratively across organisations
* Confident communicator, with the ability to influence and engage a wide range of audiences
* Experience supporting or leading projects, programmes or strategic initiatives
* A collaborative approach with a passion for sharing knowledge and developing others
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