We'd love to hear from you if you’re:highly experienced in nature conservation, and the managing of common land, public land and changes of land useskilled in managing projects and budgetsconfident in leading a diverse teamable to show examples of where you’ve successfully managed changeadept at negotiating, influencing and communicatingresilient and experienced in working effectively with partnersgood at involving all kinds of people, sharing your knowledge and enthusiasm, and giving great servicekeen to make a difference, show initiative and work towards a sustainable future.Countryside ManagerCastle Ward is a unique 18th-century mansion famed for its mixture of architectural styles and interiors. The mansion house is surrounded by parkland and woodland habitats, and sits on the shores of Strangford Lough and has 34km of trails throughout the estate. Castle Ward also has the sunken garden, which has been restored in 2017, inspired by a painting by Mary Ward which shows the garden have 61 parterres.Murlough National Nature Reserve is a fragile sand dune system and managed as Ireland’s first Nature Reserve since 1967. There is a network of paths and boardwalks through the different habitats. The dune fields at Murlough are home to many species of butterflies and moths, one of which, the Marsh Fritillary butterfly, is of European importance.The Mournes Mountains which includes Slieve Donard and Slieve Commedagh has a variety of habitats including wet & dry heath and blanket bog, and is used by a many tourists, hillwalkers, cyclists and rock climbers.Day-to-day, you’ll be managing and developing your team of ranger and garden staff and volunteers. But you’ll also be leading on strategic work, improving access, running nature conservation projects, building great working relationships with partners, tenants and colleagues, and helping to make everyone feel welcome in the countryside and gardens, whatever their background or knowledge.As a member of our leadership team, you'll work alongside other departments and teams to develop landscape-wide strategies and long-term planning for this area.You’ll also be working with partner organisations and local communities to restore nature on a landscape scale. You'll have the satisfaction of helping to look after complex habitats, including parklands, woodlands, dune heath, wet and dry heath and blanket bog.You’ll be expected to work some weekends and bank holidays.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 • 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 Click here to find out more about the benefits we offer to support you. Closing Date: 27 April 2025 Possible Interview Date: 08 May 2025To apply for this vacancy simply click the 'apply' button in the top right hand side of the page.If you need any help with your application, i.e. due to technical difficulties, please call us on 0370 240 0274 or email us at recruitmentenquiriesnationaltrust.org.ukIf you require an adjustment to the application process, for example due to disability or medical condition, please call us on 0370 240 0274 or email us at adjustmentsnationaltrustjobs.org.uk and we'll support you as best as we can. For examples of how, please see our supporting you page.Equal Opportunities Statement The National Trust celebrates diversity and is committed to creating a fair and equal society, free from discrimination. You can read more about our commitment to inclusion and diversity here. Safeguarding Statement The National Trust is committed to a safe recruitment processes to help the organisation attract and appoint the right staff/volunteer for the role and responsibilities as set out in the vacancy advert. We will not accept applicants who are not suitable to work with children, young people or adults at risk. If you have any questions around your suitability for this vacancy, please contact the people service centre. Please note we reserve the right to close this advert early and therefore we encourage you to apply for this position early. 162771IRC162771DownpatrickFixed Term f/t (37.5 hrs pw to 31/12/25)Ends: Apr 27th 302 mi from undefinedINTERNAL APPLICANTS ONLYWe’re looking for a Countryside Manager to lead the National Trust’s local ranger team and our land and nature strategy in South Down (Castle Ward, Murlough Nature Reserve and Mourne Mountains). Castle Ward, Strangford, Downpatrick, BT30 7LSCompliance.Eligibility to Work in the UK36,621 pa