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Visitor Experience Coordinator

Foxglove Covert Local Nature Reserve, Catterick Garrison, Richmondshire

Full Time - NJC SCP 6 - £25,989pa

This exciting new opportunity will help us build on the launch of our new public access, welcoming thousands of new visitors to the Reserve each year. 

With a willingness to develop new skills and a desire to promote best practice in habitat and conservation management, you will also have the enthusiasm to market Foxglove, including its volunteer activities, retail offer, donor income generation and inclusive ways to get involved. 

You will also raise environmental awareness in the local community through the design and creation of effective online digital media communications. 

As a first point of contact in our Field Centre, you will act as an ambassador for Foxglove Covert LNR, promoting our values, welcoming everyone and encouraging involvement at many levels. 

The role is demanding, varied and rewarding; bringing new and exciting opportunities to help shape the future of a special and much loved place; a special person with genuine commitment is essential. 

Closing Date for applications: 12:00 noon Wednesday 6th May 2026

Interviews to be held: Wednesday 13th May 2026

Find out more about Foxglove Covert at: www.foxglovecovert.org.uk

For an application form please email: admin@thefloxglovecovertfoundation.org.uk

See below for the full job description and person specification.

 

Foxglove Covert Local Nature Reserve

Visitor Experience Coordinator

Responsible to:  Reserve Manager

Responsible for:  Visitor and Volunteer Experience

Terms:  Up to full time 37.5 hours per week

             Salary based on NJC scale point 6 of £25,989

 

Background

Foxglove is a progressive and ambitious Local Nature Reserve (LNR). It is of local and national significance in its own right and plays a pivotal role in nature conservation activities within a 125,000 acre military training estate. 

The 100 acre reserve is currently in receipt of a broad range of funding including individual and trust donations, the MoD and other statutory schemes when appropriate. With a purpose-built Field Centre and 10,000 visitors each year, the reserve seeks to:

  • Promote and develop further links with the local community and other stakeholders who are encouraged to become involved actively in conservation. 
  • Sympathetically manage and sustain a range of habitats within the reserve, improving habitat quality and diversity wherever possible with climate change, biodiversity and sustainability benefits. 
  • Support mental health and wellbeing initiatives, learning skills and development. 

For this post, ideally, we require someone with a hands-on passion for nature conservation and the environment, working to ensure an outstanding visitor and volunteer experience. Working closely with the Reserve Manager you will help shape, develop and implement Foxglove Covert LNR's vision and support plans towards a sustainable future for the reserve.

The successful candidate may have some experience of working in an environment-based setting, but will definitely have a flare for meaningful day-to-day contact with visitors and volunteers.

A willingness to develop practical skills and promote best practice in habitat and species management is essential. You will also have the enthusiasm to market Foxglove, including its volunteer activities, retail offer, donor income generation and ways to get involved. You will also raise environmental awareness in the local community through the design and creation of effective digital media connections. 

The role is demanding, varied and rewarding; bringing new and exciting opportunities to help shape the future of a special and much loved place; genuine commitment is essential.

 

Job Description

The main components of the job are to: 

  • Assist with the day-to-day operations of the reserve, assisting with maintenance, practical management following appropriate training and orientation.
  • Act as a first point of contact for enquiries, making bookings, dealing with visitors and volunteers, enhancing and raising the profile of the reserve and its place in the community. 
  • Ensure excellent, inspirational visitor experience standards, including the creation and development of digital content, social media resources and communications.
  • Maintain a safe environment for staff, volunteers and visitors following Health and Safety guidance. 
  • Facilitate group visits and guided walks, where appropriate in partnership with Foxlgove Covert LNR staff and volunteers.
  • Possess resilience and self-motivation with the ability to forward plan and react appropriately to unforeseen circumstances and providing management cover, as on some occasions you will be lone working.
  • Promote and strengthen the marketing of the reserve, audience development and relationships with a wide range of stakeholders including the military, their dependents, local community groups and individuals.
  • Manage and promote the onsite and digital retail offer including stock control, compelling display and marketing.
  • Assist with the delivery of education and training programmes including training and support for volunteers. 
  • Support to and marketing of the Friends of Foxglve, Foxglove Volunteers, and enabling the growth of donations and opportunities for involvement.
  • Maintain in-house administration, recordkeeping and compliance with monitoring requirements which may change from time to time. 
  • Liase and cooperate effectively and work with colleagues, volunteers, external professionals, partner organisations, contractors and amateur enthusiasts to achieve the reserve's objectives.
  • Be aware of and comply with relvent policies and procedures including safeguarding, health and safety, security, data protection and reporting.
  • Meet targets and objectives as set by the Reserve Manager and other duties that may be required from time to time by the Board of the Foxglove Covert Foundation.

 

Working arrangements

The working pattern will be decided by arrangement with the Reserve Manager. This can be a part-time or a full-time position up to 37.5 hours per week.

The post holder must be able to work flexibly including some evenings and weekends to meet the needs of visitors and facilitate events. This post will involve some weekend working with time off in lieu during the week.

 

Contract period and salary

The post is subject to completion of a satisfactory probation period. 

The starting salary will be in line with NJC scale point 6 £25,989 subject to experience and performance. 

The post may be eligible for automatic enrolment in a workplace pension scheme and a pro rate holiday entitlement of at least 28 days a year.

 

Person Specification

Area EssentialDesirable
Qualifications
  • Full driving licence or access to transport to the reserve.
  • First aid certificate
  • A personal interest in conservation and environmental management
  • Possess or be working towards a recognised qualification in conservation, habitat management or an allied field.
Experience
  • Experience of working with the general public.
  • Confidence in working with groups.
  • Previous work on sites of nature conservation interest.
  • Experience of working with groups of enthusiastic volunteers with diverse skills.
  • Experience of initiating and managing projects.
Knowledge
  • A general knowledge of nature and nature conservation.
  • Working knowledge of Health and Safety requirements and safe practice.
 
Skills
  • IT skills (including use of PC), maintenance of websites, online activities, marketing and social media presence.
  • Strong interpersonal skills and a friendly nature.
  • Willingness to undertake further training and development activities.
  • A willingness to train for and develop skills in undertaking a wide range of practical conservation activities that take place across the reserve.
  • Use of social media including the design and development of websites, digital marketing materials and content.
  • Experience of planning, initiating and managing events for adults and children.
Communications
  • The ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing including digital media where appropriate.
  • The ability to tailor communications to the needs of diverse audiences.
 
Personal Effectiveness
  • A high degree of flexibility and innovation in dealing with a range of issues and diverse situations.
  • Able to work without supervision to acheive deadlines.
  • An appropriate level of health and fitness.
  • A willingness to attempt unfamiliar tasks and to ask for guidance when necessary.
 
Working with Others
  • Ability to work with and enthuse diverse other including volunteers, working collaboratively and knowing when to seek help and advice.
  • The ability to forge, influence and maintain functional relationships with colleagues and other partners.
  • High motivation and experience of working as part of a team.
 
Promoting Quality
  • Ability to promote high quality of standards and to encourage others to do likewise.
  • Promote excellence in the visitor experience.
 
Flexibility
  • Willingness to relish challenges and adopt a flexible approach to working patterns.
  • Willingness to work off-site.
  • A can-do attitude with a willingness to work in a range of conditions.
 

Closing Date for applications: 12:00 noon Wednesday 6th May 2026

Interviews to be held: Wednesday 13th May 2026

Find out more about Foxglove Covert at: www.foxglovecovert.org.uk

For an application form please email: admin@thefloxglovecovertfoundation.org.uk