Landscape Connections Project Manager

Salary

Grade 10, (SCPs 29-32): £41,177 to £44,253

Employment

Temporary (18mths), Full -Time with Extension Subject to Continued Funding

Chichester Harbour is an exceptional site for wildlife and is globally important for migratory birds. The harbour has multiple designations to protect its landscape, habitats and wildlife. It became an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1964 (now known as a National Landscape), a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) in 1970, a Special Protection Area (SPA) in 1979, a RAMSAR site in1987, and a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) in 1994. The designated features within Chichester Harbour include the intertidal habitats of saltmarsh, seagrass and mudflats, along with the wintering bird assemblage and nesting bird populations.

However, Chichester Harbour has not escaped the wider declining state of nature seen across the UK and beyond. In 2021, Natural England’s Condition Review downgraded the main Chichester Harbour SSSI to ‘unfavourable declining’ condition.

In response to the Condition Review, Chichester Harbour Conservancy founded the Chichester Harbour Protection and Recovery of Nature  (CHaPRoN) partnership to lead our nature recovery efforts and restore Chichester Harbour back to favourable condition by 2050. The partnership is driving forward a suite of initiatives to reduce the pressures on the natural environment, by actively restoring intertidal habitats whilst also increasing resilience to climate change.

To support this work, Chichester Harbour Conservancy has successfully secured a grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund for vital project development work to invest in our nature recovery efforts. In 18 months’ time, a larger application to the Heritage Fund’s Landscape Connections initiative will be submitted to help pay for the delivery of these projects as they move to the implementation phase.

We are recruiting a Project Manager to lead with the development work for the Chichester Harbour Landscape Connections project. The role will deliver the components of the Heritage Fund project in accordance with the funding bid and approved expenditure. This will include commissioning Feasibility Studies/Technical Reports,  developing an Access, Inclusion and Participation plan to increase community connectivity with our nature recovery work and seeking all required permissions, licences and consents in support of project delivery.

For full details of the role, please see the attached job description. If you would like to discuss the role in advance of applying, please contact Nicky Simmons at recruitment@conservancy.co.uk in the first instance who will arrange for a colleague to contact you.

To apply please complete the CHC application form and email your application to: recruitment@conservancy.co.uk.

Closing date: Monday 26th October 2026 at 12pm. Interviews to be held: 5th/6th November.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a conservation body that is helping to restore the natural environment within Chichester Harbour and safeguard the future of this precious National Landscape.

The Landscape Connections Project Manager role is hosted by Chichester Harbour Conservancy and funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Using money raised by National Lottery players, The National Lottery Heritage Fund supports projects that connect people and communities with the UK’s heritage. The Chichester Harbour Landscapes Connection Project  is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players, we are able to recruit a Project Manager and complete vital project development work to support our nature recovery efforts.