Woodland, Ecology and Sustainability Manager

Job Purpose:

This is a pivotal role in shaping the long-term environmental future of the Petty Pool estate. As part of a 10-year Estate Development Plan, the Woodland, Ecology and Sustainability Manager will lead the design and delivery of an integrated strategy for sustainable land stewardship, ensuring our woodland and ecological assets are managed to the highest standards.

You will serve as the primary point of contact for the local authority planning team regarding ecological and sustainability considerations tied to the estate s development, ensuring full compliance with planning obligations and environmental legislation. A key responsibility will be brokering opportunities for Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), working across agencies, partners and internal teams to maximise both ecological value and project impact.

This role sits within the Estates team and supports the broader organisational vision for sustainability, biodiversity, and climate resilience, ensuring Petty Pool is a model of forward-thinking, environmentally responsible estate management.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the development and implementation of a comprehensive woodland, ecology and sustainability strategy in alignment with the 10-year Estate Development Plan.

• Act as the lead liaison with the local authority planning department, ensuring ecological and sustainability requirements are embedded in planning applications and delivery.

• Drive initiatives that enhance Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) across the estate, including identifying and brokering partnership opportunities and offset schemes.

• Oversee all woodland management operations including habitat creation, planting plans, invasive species control, and long-term biodiversity planning.

• Ensure compliance with environmental legislation, planning conditions, and regulatory standards (e.g., Natural England, Environment Agency).

• Monitor ecological health and sustainability indicators, maintaining accurate reporting on key performance metrics including carbon sequestration, biodiversity uplift, and habitat condition.

• Support Petty Pool s broader ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) and Net Zero ambitions, contributing specialist knowledge and operational delivery.

• Manage relationships with ecological consultants, statutory agencies, funders, and sustainability stakeholders.

• Lead public and community engagement initiatives linked to environmental education, volunteer conservation work, and green projects.

• Identify and secure external funding or grants to support woodland, biodiversity, and climate initiatives.

Petty Pool Trust is officially World Class to work for in 2024 by Best Companies.

Our values:

• Ambitious Striving for excellence in everything we do
• Brave Fearless in our boldness
• Creative exploring innovation and embracing change
• Collaborative feeling valued and adding value

Staff Benefits:

• 28 days annual leave - plus bank holidays
• On-site parking
• Company Sick pay (after passing probationary period)
• Employee Assistant Programme
• Bike rack
• Eye care vouchers
• Company pension
• Smart casual dress