Job title Land and Estates Manager
Reporting to Head of Housing and Property Services
Responsible for Community Development Officer
Salary £40,000 – £42,000
Location Walton-on-Thames, Surrey
Job purpose
The Land and Estates Manager will be responsible for the management and maintenance of the Charity’s land and estates across the borough of Elmbridge. Much of the job will be of a practical nature, working outdoors.
The Charity has a mixed land portfolio, including land used for allotments, social projects (i.e. community allotment, the Tree Canopy Project), community buildings and residential housing, and other land rented on a commercial basis for financial return to support the work of the charity. We also have extensive woodland and other land unused with no purpose.
The post holder will ensure the land and estates are protected, safe and, where appropriate, maximised for charitable purposes, ensuring the good reputation of the Charity.
Key accountabilities
- Manage the maintenance of the land and estates, including all boundaries (fences, ditches, hedges, etc)
- To create safe systems of work and be responsible for Health & Safety across the land and estates, and be conversant with risk assessments creation and be able to implement them as required.
- Develop and manage a planned programme of general upkeep to the land, including tree work, routine schedules, regular inspections and planned work.
- Manage the land and estates budget, including monitoring expenditure and controlling costs to increase efficiency, as well as identifying and acting upon opportunities to increase income to support the Charity’s purpose.
- Manage land and estate activities to ensure they are carried out correctly and within budget, employing outside contractors if necessary.
- Commission, oversee and monitor the work of external contractors and stakeholders working on the land and estates.
- Build and maintain positive relationships with key stakeholders and partners on the local community, including but not limited to, Walton Allotment Association, Elmbridge Borough Council, land and estate charity tenants, neighbours, etc.
- Lead the Charity’s work on environmental sustainability
- Work effectively and collaboratively across the Charity, with internal colleagues and external partners.
- Develop proactive and effective relationships to support the Charity’s fundraising and communications team.
- Ensure all land and estate activities are recorded accurately on the Charity’s record management systems, and be responsible for maintaining the GIS mapping, land terriers and wayleave agreements
- Manage complaints and concerns as they relate to land and estates.
- Provide enabling and supportive management to direct reporting lines (Project Officer) and support the Project Officer to carry out community projects on the Charity’s land.
No role profile can cover every issue that may arise within the duties of the post at various times. The post holder will be expected to carry out any other duties from time to time that are broadly consistent with those described.
Knowledge/skills/experience
You will need the following skills/experience and education:
- Good horticultural and woodland knowledge
- Level 2 horticultural qualification, or equivalent
- A thorough understanding of Health and Safety, safe systems of work and risk assessment practice
- Self-motivated and able to work with minimum supervision, including outside
- Ability to prioritise and adapt to changing demands
- Experience of managing contractors
- Excellent interpersonal skills, and the ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships
- Good written and oral communication skills
- Good IT skills (MS Office)
- Experience of managing budgets
- Commitment to ongoing learning and professional development
- Driving licence and access to transport (for travel around Elmbridge)
- First Aid
Desirable
- RHS Level 4 Diploma in Horticultural Practice, or equivalent
- Interest and experience in environmental sustainability
- Experience of working in the voluntary sector.
- Knowledge of the local area.
Interested?
Please visit waltoncharity.org.uk/work-with-us.
To apply, please email admin@waltoncharity.org.uk with your CV and covering letter highlighting your skills and experience in relation to the role.
The covering letter should not exceed two sides of A4. CVs submitted without a covering letter will not be shortlisted for interview. Please include details of two referees (one work-related).
Deadline: Monday 16th December 2024 – midday. We reserve the right to close the advert earlier if we receive suitable applications.
Interviews: Week commencing 16 December 2024