Estate Manager

Imagine being at the helm of a revolutionary role amidst the vast, breath-taking landscapes of Scotland, where you’re not only managing the land – you're reshaping it to create positive environmental and social impact for generations to come. We’re looking for a passionate environmentalist to join us on a game-changing adventure in landscape-scale restoration. This is your chance to create thriving wildlife habitats and lead the charge in revitalising extraordinary landscapes at SCALE. If you're fuelled by passion, hungry for a challenge, and ready to rewrite the rulebook of estate management, then we want you on our team! Join us and be part of an adventure like no other.  

ABOUT YOU 

Do you want an opportunity to really make a difference? Do you want to see the tangible impact of your work? Do you want to look back in the years to come knowing that what you did helped in the fight against climate change and biodiversity loss? We are looking for someone, and potentially their family, who wants to make a long-term commitment to one of our incredibly special Estates, and in the process, make it their home and become part of a wonderful local community.  

At Dorback Estate, we’re seeking someone with this amazing combination of skills: 

ENVIRONMENT 

• Environmental Expertise: Strong and extensive knowledge in land management and conservation, acquired through education or hands-on experience. 
• Rural Stewardship: A love for the natural world and rural environment in Scotland, and a commitment to its ecological restoration. 

IMPACT 

• Exacting Standards: Sharp eye for detail and a deep commitment to delivering exceptional service. 
• Commitment to Growth: A dedication to continuous personal development and fostering growth within the wider team. 
• Practical Problem Solver: Ability to think creatively to implement sustainable practices and resolve challenges. 

ADVENTURE 

• Passionate Explorer: Fuelled by a passion for adventure, environmental conservation, and making tangible impact. 

TOGETHER 

• Collaborative Relationship Builder: Ability to build strong relationships with diverse stakeholders, including landowners, farmers, partners, neighbours, contractors, and regulators. 
• Kindness and Approachability: And of course, you have to be really nice! Sharing snacks on long journeys or a packed lunch whilst out in the rain is mandatory! 

We believe in recruiting exceptional people and creating the role that allows them to do incredible things. We are committed to having a genuinely diverse team drawn from across the country, with a wide range of lived and learnt experiences. You might have skills in some, but not all, of the areas above. Whatever your skillset, we’d love to hear from you if you think you can make a real difference with Oxygen Conservation and the communities where we’re fortunate to work.  

ABOUT THE ROLE 

Ready to show the world how modern conservation can be delivered? As Estate Manager, you will play a pivotal role in reshaping traditional land management into a strategic opportunity for sustainable practices and environmental conservation. All in a jaw-dropping location! 

Nestled against the spectacular mountainous backdrop of the Cairngorms National Park, Dorback Estate boasts a magnificent landscape that sweeps you into the endless expanse of the Scottish Highlands, all while being easily accessible. Spanning over 15,000 acres, the Estate features vast moorland areas interspersed with pockets of forestry, gradually rising to the plateau of the Cairngorms massif. Inhabiting the Estate is a diverse array of wildlife and a remarkable variety of natural assets. Once a traditional sporting Estate, it also now offers several high-quality holiday cottages, providing excellent opportunities for sustainable tourism. 

Our vision at Dorback Estate is bold and exciting! We’re transforming the landscape by undertaking a significant programme of natural capital creation and enhancement. From native broadleaf woodland creation to restoring peatlands, our efforts will not only generate new, improved habitats for wildlife, but help also capture carbon from the atmosphere, playing a key role in the fight against climate change. . Under your leadership, the estate will also transition to unique conservation-led sporting activities, including exceptional deer stalking. You will also oversee the change to regenerative farming methods, including organic conversion. As the scale and ambition of our work continues to grow, so does the opportunity for this role to evolve. 

You will be the key interface between the central Oxygen Conservation team and key local suppliers, tenants, and wider local community. You will also get your hands dirty (in the best way) supporting the refurbishment of the farmhouse for the local community and identifying opportunities to support local businesses. No day will be the same, but every single day will be an adventure waiting to unfold!  

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Estate Management: Provide leadership across all elements of work on site, including, land management, woodland creation, sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, and any of the hundreds of fascinating things that might pop up. 
• Property: Manage estate properties, utilities, and tenant relationships, overseeing maintenance and renovations in line with sustainability goals. 
• Ecotourism: Deliver outstanding ecotourism experiences by managing bookings, facilities, and guest engagement. Design and deliver nature-based getaway packages, ensuring a seamless guest experience, high-quality site management, and continuous improvement through feedback and insights. 
• Conservation: Lead landscape-scale restoration by tailoring approaches based on the unique challenges and opportunities presented by Dorback. 
• Health & Safety: knowledge of health and safety management in rural environments, including COSHH compliance, emergency planning, CDM documentation, lone working, team supervision, and overseeing estate vehicles, machinery, and property security. 
• Project Management: Project manage small and medium-sized work programmes, both conservation and property, managing site budgets, grant applications, and contractors.  
• Community Engagement: Build meaningful partnerships with local communities, neighbours and contractors to preserve and enhance the environment. 
• Global Impact: Save a part of the world for the next generation and set an example for worldwide environmental management. 

ABOUT US 

Oxygen Conservation was founded in 2021 by the Oxygen House Group and Dr Rich Stockdale with a clear mission: Scaling Conservation. We acquire land at scale on behalf of asset owners to deliver transformative environmental and social impact — creating profit as a result of what we do. In just three years, we’ve completed twelve transactions, assembling a portfolio of over 43,000 acres dedicated to restoring and protecting nature. 

Our vision is intentionally aspirational and inspirational: by 2030, we aim to have £1 billion of natural capital assets under management, enabling us to protect and restore 250,000 acres of land for people and wildlife. By combining our scale, reputation, cutting-edge data, and exceptional skills, we’re redefining conservation. 

Our work hasn’t gone unnoticed. In 2022, we were named Start-Up of the Year at the Business Leader South West Awards, followed by Team of the Year at the 2023 Edie Awards and our nature fundings agreement with Triodos won ESG Deal of the Year at the 2024 Insider South West Dealmakers Awards. Our founder and CEO, Dr Rich Stockdale, is featured in the ENDS Power List as one of the top 100 UK environmental professionals driving significant impact, and was shortlisted for Edie’s Leader of the Year Award in 2024. 

At Oxygen Conservation, we’re scaling impact, creating opportunities, and leading the charge for a nature-based economy that works for people, wildlife, and the planet. 

KEY INFORMATION 

Term: Full time, permanent 

Location: Nethy Bridge, Scottish Highlands. You will be required to live close to the Estate as part of this role. 

Closing date: Monday 26th May