Welsh Peatland Action Group JOB DESCRIPTION. National Park Offices, Penrhyndeudraeth, Gwynedd. Head of Conservation, Agriculture & Woodlands (SNPA)

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1 Welsh Peatland Action Group JOB DESCRIPTION Job title: WELSH PEATLAND PROJECT MANAGER (3 year contract, 37 hrs per week) (Post funded by the Realising the Potential of Welsh Peatlands Sustainable Management Scheme) Grade: Grade 10 Points Location: Responsible to: National Park Offices, Penrhyndeudraeth, Gwynedd Head of Conservation, Agriculture & Woodlands (SNPA) Responsible for: 2x Project Officers 1 based in the Snowdonia National Park and 1 National Trust funded post in Brecon. 1. CONTEXT: The Welsh Peatland Action Group (WPAG) is a coalition of conservation and research organisations and charities, local authorities, Welsh Government and farming unions who have an active interest in the peatlands of Wales and delivering on the Ministerial target to protect and enhance the peatlands of Wales by Safeguarding and developing the multi benefits that can be provided by peat rich soils and seeking to find long-term sustainable management and funding mechanisms for these often fragile and neglected natural resources and iconic landscape and biodiversity hotspots. 2. THE PROJECT: This is a 1.2M costed project, with 925k coming from the Welsh Government Sustainable Management Scheme. The project has been developed by the Welsh Peatland Action Group and will be managed by a Steering Group comprised of Snowdonia National Park Authority and Brecon Beacons National Park Authority, National Trust, Natural Resources Wales and Welsh Government. 3. PURPOSE OF THE POST: 3.1 To lead, administer, implement and promote the Welsh Peatlands Sustainable Management Scheme (WPSMS) to achieve the strategic aims of the scheme of conserving and improving peatland condition in Wales. 3.2 This ground breaking project has the potential to change how natural resources are understood, viewed, valued and enjoyed. It seeks to establish novel and innovative funding mechanisms for the management of peat in Wales by developing accredited funding opportunities for industry and commerce. Ten fully costed projects are expected to be developed and available for marketing within economic markets within the 3 years of the project.

2 3.3 Developing innovative external funding opportunities for the sustainable management and restoration of these areas. 3.4 To work with academia and research organisations to streamline and centralise research and data and to standardise monitoring and evaluation methodologies. 3.5 Increasing access to and understanding of the cultural heritage, and increasing the involvement of both the local community and visitors. 4. PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES: 4.1 The Project Manager will be responsible for the delivery of the WPSMS Project. 4.2 To promote the scheme with existing and prospective property owners and land managers. 4.3 To lead on press and media duties, public consultation and engagement activities associated with the project. 4.4 Provide advice and guidance to potential grant applicants in the preparation of schemes of conservation and peatland restoration through various developing mechanisms. 4.5 Liaise and negotiate complex management and economic agreements between potential applicants in order to develop viable joint projects where appropriate to deliver WPSMS objectives. Assist in the preparation of briefs for consultants, their commissioning, supervision and review of their performance. 4.6 Manage all consultants and contractors appointed to work on the WPSMS project. 4.7 Manage partner and stakeholder organisations. 4.8 Coordinate the development and uptake of formal training and accreditation for peatland managers in theory and practical peatland conservation works in partnership with delivery partners (led by Brecon Beacons National Park Authority). 4.9 Ensure that all contracts are awarded within guidelines, managed within budget in a timely manner and within the correct tendering process To be accountable for budget management for the project to ensure efficient and effective delivery. (Total project fund 1.2M. Capital: 675K over 3 years) Co-ordinate the development of Peatland Code and Payments for Ecosystem Services (PES) derived projects and sponsorship portfolio Facilitate the development of a central research and data platform on peat-based works with academic specialists, research bodies and likely users in Wales. The work will be led by Swansea University, CEH and NRW.

3 4.13 Report to the Steering Group, Snowdonia National Park Authority and Welsh Government on project progress, with particular reference to outcomes from the 10 project outputs. 5. GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES: 5.1 Providing regular reports to the Steering Group, Snowdonia National Park Authority, and Welsh Government. 5.2 Undertaking any research and scoping required during the delivery phase. 5.3 Line Manage the work of the Project Officers including co-ordinating and overseeing their work, and monitoring and evaluation of their performance against the project objectives and set targets. 5.4 Create and implement the evaluation and monitoring plan for the project Represent Snowdonia National Park Authority and the Steering Group at external meetings as and when required. 5.6 Raise the long-term profile of the project with marketing and promotion initiatives. 5.7 To have due regard for the health and safety of self and others. 5.8 To ensure that the principles of excellent customer care are applied to all elements of service delivery within the role. 5.9 To ensure grant conditions and branding guidelines are complied with To undertake any other duties commensurate with the grade of the post. 6. WORKING ARRANGEMENTS 6.1 This is a full time post, 37 hours a week, for a period of 3 years between December 2017 and December The work may involve occasional evening and weekend work. 6.3 Work will involve occasional site works in difficult, demanding and isolated sites (peatland, mires and exposed sites at high elevations). 6.4 The work will involve national travel, and possibly international occasionally. 6.5 The work will involve line management of a member of staff based in Brecon, where hot desk space is available at the National Trust and Brecon Beacons National Park Authority offices when required. Regular communication between offices is expected through various IT channels.

4 7. WORKING LINKS: To work in liaison with: Other staff and members of Snowdonia and Brecon Beacons National Park Authorities International Union for Conservation of Nature Local Authorities Natural Resources Wales National Trust The Welsh Government Wildlife Trusts RSPB Centre of Ecology and Hydrology, Bangor Swansea University Community groups Farming Unions Educational groups and organisations Land owners and managers Contractors

5 KEY PERSONAL SPECIFICATIONS: Personal Specification: Professional Essential Desirable Personal Degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant subject. Understanding of conservation designations Experience of administering grants. The ability to undertake the requirements of the post through the medium of Welsh and English. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. To be able to work with minimal guidance and supervision. Experience of budget planning and management. Project management experience. Ability to work to tight deadlines whilst dealing with conflicting demands and under pressure. Experience of staff management Ability to work alone as well as part of a team. Good computer skills / Microsoft Office. A highly organised, committed and pro-active worker. Confidence, enthusiasm and maturity to deliver the duties of the post to a high standard. Valid, full driving licence. Working knowledge/experience of peatland features and management Understanding of Payment for Ecosystem Services Negotiation and liaison experience Creative thinker