Natural Estate Manager

Natural Estate Manager - Gilwell Park

Location: Gilwell Park, Chingford, E4 7QW
Contract Type: Permanent
Working Hours: 35 hours per week (including evenings and weekends)                                           Salary: £30,040 per annum – Band D, Level 3 (Inclusive of Outer London Weighting)

About the Role

We’re looking for a Natural Estate Manager to lead and deliver a busy but rewarding programme of conservation work across Gilwell Park, helping to improve habitats, boost biodiversity and create more opportunities for people to connect with nature. Guided by our new 10-year woodland management plan and best-practice conservation methods, you’ll take a hands-on approach to estate maintenance and habitat improvement across the site.

Working both independently and alongside staff teams, volunteers, corporate supporters and young people, you’ll help create meaningful change for nature and for visitors. From practical conservation tasks to wider estate projects, you’ll play a key role in shaping and protecting the natural environment at Gilwell Park.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead practical grounds and woodland work at Gilwell Park, supporting habitat improvements and estate maintenance.
• Use and maintain machinery and tools safely, carrying out inspections, repairs and general site upkeep.
• Lead and support volunteers, corporate groups and young people in practical conservation activities and skills sharing.
• Support conservation partnerships and nature recovery projects, including habitat work, monitoring and reporting.
• Champion nature regeneration, maintain high health and safety standards, and support events, training and wider site activities for Scouts and Scout Adventures.

About You

We’re looking for someone with:

• Experience in practical conservation, habitat management and estate maintenance, with good knowledge of woodland and parkland management.
• Confidence using and maintaining machinery, tools and equipment safely, with experience in health and safety and risk assessments.
• Experience leading volunteers and skills sessions with people of all ages, including young people, and working independently or as part of a team.
• Strong communication and project management skills, with experience supporting conservation projects, partnerships and reporting.
• A proactive, hands-on and enthusiastic approach, with a passion for conservation and helping young people connect with nature outdoors.
• A full UK driving licence and relevant countryside, woodland or estate management qualifications.

Benefits:

• We are an award-winning Charity of the Year (Charity Times Awards 2022) with over 400 employees across multiple locations across the country.
• 28 days holiday and going up to 32 days after 2 years’ service plus additional days at Christmas
• Flexible working hours
• Work in a way that suits you, your role and your department
• Double matching pension up to 10% of gross salary

For a full list of our benefits, click .

Closing date for applications: 23:59 on Friday 29th May 2026.

Interviews will be held in person at Gilwell Park on Monday 10th June 2026.

Strictly no agencies. 

The Scouts is an equal opportunities employer and we are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute. We offer flexible working arrangements to support diverse needs and lifestyles, ensuring that our teams can thrive both professionally and personally. We welcome and encourage applicants from all walks of life, believing that varied perspectives strengthen our innovation and community. Your unique experiences and ideas are essential to our success, and we look forward to hearing from all voices.