Countryside Manager

We’re looking for a Countryside Manager to work across and lead the National Trust’s local ranger teams based at Cotehele and Buckland Abbey and our land and nature strategy across the properties of Cotehele, Buckland Abbey and Antony.

These beautiful properties, two of which are situated in the Tamar Valley National Landscape, with Dartmoor National Park and many unspoilt beaches nearby. The properties are brimming with character, and each has a special atmosphere and wonderful sense of place. The teams across the three properties pride themselves on providing superb customer service, and the family atmosphere in these teams makes them a very special place to work.

Due to the three properties locations, it’s likely you will need your own transport to get there. For more information about our properties please visit

Day-to-day, you’ll be managing and developing your team of staff and volunteers. You will 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, 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 riversides, woodland, veteran trees and old parkland.

You’ll be expected to work some weekends and bank holidays and be a part of the Duty Management rota.

• highly experienced in nature conservation, and the managing of common land, public land and changes of land use
• skilled in managing projects and budgets
• confident in leading a diverse team
• able to show examples of where you’ve successfully managed change
• adept at negotiating, influencing and communicating
• resilient and experienced in working effectively with partners
• good at involving all kinds of people, sharing your knowledge and enthusiasm, and giving great service
• keen to make a difference, show initiative and work towards a sustainable future.

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 (for roles that meet the salary criteria)
• 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

Cotehele, Cotehele, Saltash, PL12 6TA

Countryside Manager - Grade 6.pdf

Compliance.

Eligibility to Work in the UK

Closing Date: 25 October 2026

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.

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  you have any questions around your suitability for this vacancy, please contact the people service centre.