Countryside Warden Metropolitan Borough Council

The Leasowes, Historic Landscape and Nature Reserve
Salary: £29,542.00 - £32,046.00 (Grade
6)

Location:

The Leasowes, Halesowen.
Contract Type:
Full-time, Permanent
Car Allowance:
Casual
Closing Date: 1st November 2026

Are you passionate about nature conservation, heritage and helping people enjoy nature? Do you want to make a real difference at one of the West Midlands’ most treasured landscapes?

We’re looking for a dedicated Countryside Warden to join our team at The Leasowes Historic Landscape and Nature Reserve, a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) renowned for its nationally significant waxcap rich grasslands.

As a Warden, you’ll play a key role in managing, enhancing and protecting the ecological value and historic features of The Leasowes, while ensuring it remains a welcoming and safe space for visitors. You’ll work closely with volunteers, community groups, schools, and contractors to deliver practical conservation, education, and engagement activities.

• Carry out habitat management and site maintenance.
• Support and supervise volunteers and junior staff.
• Coordinate educational visits and community events.
• Monitor wildlife and visitor satisfaction.
• Promote the site’s heritage and biodiversity to the public.
• Patrol the site and maintain high standards of cleanliness and safety.
• Deputise for the Senior Countryside Warden when required.

We’re seeking someone with:

• Practical experience in countryside or conservation management.
• Strong communication and people skills.
• A proactive, hands-on approach to problem-solving.
• A commitment to health & safety, equality, and safeguarding.
• A full driving license and access to a vehicle with business use insurance.

Leasowes Nature Reserve is one of the most important and celebrated landscapes in the West Midlands. Recognised internationally as one of England's earliest and finest examples of the ‘Picturesque’ landscape movement, the site was created in the 18th century by the poet and landscape designer William Shenstone. Its unique combination of historic features, ornamental water bodies, woodland, meadows and carefully designed vistas continues to attract visitors and conservation professionals alike.

The reserve is also designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), recognising its significant ecological value. The site supports a diverse range of flora and fauna and plays a vital role in nature recovery, biodiversity enhancement, environmental education and public engagement.

Working at The Leasowes offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the management and preservation of both a nationally significant historic landscape and a protected ecological asset. The successful candidate will help ensure that the reserve remains a safe, welcoming and environmentally rich destination for visitors, while maintaining the high conservation standards required of an SSSI and safeguarding the site's historic character for future generations.