Are you a talented landscape professional with a passion for delivering high-quality environmental projects that protect, enhance and connect people with nature?
We are seeking an experienced and enthusiastic Project Manager with strong landscape expertise to help deliver an ambitious programme of recreation mitigation and environmental improvement projects across the district. This is an exciting opportunity to lead projects that support sustainable growth while protecting important landscapes and habitats and delivering wider community benefits.
Working within the Recreation mitigation team, you will manage a portfolio or projects focused on public open spaces, habitat mitigation, visitor management and environmental enhancements. You will oversee projects from concept to delivery, ensuring schemes are completed safely, on time and within budget.
You will work closely with colleagues across planning, open spaces and environmental design, as well as external partners including parish councils, developers, contractors, community groups and government agencies.As a specialist landscape professional, you will provide expert advice on environmental design, recreational mitigation and landscape management, helping to create places that support thriving communities and protected environments.
What you'll be doing:
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Designing and delivering recreation mitigation and environmental improvement projects.
- Managing project budgets, contracts and procurement processes.
- Preparing tender documentation and supervising contractors on site.
- Supporting planning policy development and visitor management initiatives.
- Undertaking or reviewing landscape and visual impact appraisals.
- Working with communities and stakeholders to develop successful projects.
- Providing specialist advice on landscape and environmental design matters.
- Monitoring project performance and reporting on outcomes.
- Deputising for the Programme Manager when required.
About you:
You will have a degree or substantial experience in landscape architecture or design. You will be a confident and creative landscape professional with strong technical knowledge, project and contract management skills, and the ability to build effective relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
What’s in it for you?
As part of our commitment to being a supportive and people‑centred employer, we offer a range of benefits designed to help you thrive both in and outside of work:
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£45,511 - £48,731 (Up to £49,758 for exceptional performance once in post) (pay award pending)
- 27-28 days plus bank holidays, rising by an additional week’s leave after 5 years of continuous local authority service
- Hybrid working, with flexibility across our sites, and home working
- Local Government Pension Scheme, with the option of Additional Voluntary Contributions (AVCs)
- Employee Assistance Programme offering free 24/7 legal, financial, and personal wellbeing advice
- Employee discount scheme with savings across major supermarkets, retailers, restaurants, and leisure providers
- Cycle to Work Scheme, helping you save around 40 percent on bikes and accessories
- A values‑led organisation, guided by our LEAF values (Learning, Empathy, Ambition, Fairness)
- Access to learning and development opportunities to support your growth
- A supportive, inclusive culture, where everyone is welcomed and valued
We are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and offer a range of active staff networks, including:
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Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) Group
- LGBTQ+ Network
- Women’s Network
- Early Careers Network
- Neurodiversity Network
About us
At NFDC we recognise that every colleague - whether in operational, frontline, or office based roles - plays a vital part in delivering high‑quality services to our communities. We are committed to creating a supportive and inclusive environment where people feel valued for the work they do and the strengths they bring.
We aim to foster a culture where people feel confident to share ideas, contribute their expertise, and develop through meaningful conversations with their managers and supported learning opportunities. Whilst we have our corporate values, LEAF Learning Empathy Ambition Fairness, we understand that different teams work in different ways, and we want our values to be lived in ways that make sense locally while staying true to our shared purpose as an organisation.
We want colleagues to thrive, which is why we promote wellbeing, balance, and opportunities for learning and progression. Our values guide how we work together and how we support each other to be confident, capable, and adaptable.
Click here to see why employees think that New Forest District Council is a great place to work: Working for NFDC
Please note: You’ll likely be aware that as part of the ongoing Local Government Reorganisation (LGR), the current organisation will transition into a new operating structure from 1 April 2028. It is important that applicants understand how this may affect their employment should they be successful. You will find attached a useful LGR update sheet at top of this advert.
If you’re interested
Please see the candidate booklet for more information about working at the Council and the job description.
If you are passionate about making a difference, committed to delivering excellent public services, and looking for a place where you can develop and continue to grow, we would be delighted to receive your application.
We understand that some applicants may choose to use AI tools to assist with completing their application. Please bear in mind it’s important that your application remains an accurate and honest reflection of your own skills, experience, and achievements. Please ensure that any content generated or supported by AI truly represents you and your capabilities, as this will form the basis of our assessment throughout the recruitment process.
Please note, this post is subject to a basic DBS check
Closing Date: Midnight 21st August 2026
Interview Date: Wednesday 9th September 2026
