James Lee
Uttoxeter,Staffordshire
Summary
Diligent and resourceful individual with strong commitment to sustainable practices and environmental stewardship. Demonstrates skills in project management and team leadership, combined with solid understanding of ecological conservation principles. Ready to contribute significantly to Woodland & Estate Lead role by fostering healthy woodland ecosystems and promoting biodiversity.
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
4
4
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work history
Biodiversity/Geomorphology Technical Specialist
Environment Agency
Uttoxeter, Staffordshire
2022.04 - Current
- West Midlands lead for trees, veteran trees and woodland management.
- Identify and support large multi-functional projects.
- Team lead for Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) and the Environmental Land Management Scheme (ELMS).
- Advise on improvements to deliver the Water Framework Directive and enable partners to achieve 'good ecological status'.
Senior Green Spaces Officer
Charnwood Borough Council
Loughborough, Leicestershire
2015.09 - 2022.04
- Authorised officer for Council's tree stock (approx. 300 000 trees) responsible for tree surveys and tree risk management strategy.
- Write woodland management plans for Countryside Stewardship and Local Nature Reserves.
- Monitor arboricultural contractors and others in the delivery of an efficient green spaces service.
- Monitor species rich grasslands and grazing tenancies.
Lead Ranger
National Trust
Derby, Derbyshire
2014.05 - 2015.07
- Responsible for managing 331ha of parkland and 54ha of woodland at Kedleston Hall and leading the ranger team.
- Managed various agri-environment schemes, including the English Woodland Grant Scheme (EWGS) and Higher Level Stewardship (HLS).
- Responsible for tree safety and managing contractors with a budget up to £50k.
- Managed a large volunteer group with all outdoor tasks, including woodland thinning, fencing and footpath works.
Parks & Gardens Manager
National Trust
Derby, Derbyshire
2012.05 - 2014.05
- Responsible for managing all outdoor spaces including woodland, parkland and Pleasure Grounds at Kedleston Hall and the gardens at Sudbury Hall.
- Regular work with contractors and consultants and other business partners.
- Role changed due to internal restructure.
Outdoors Manager
National Trust
Derby, Derbyshire
2011.01 - 2012.05
- Role similar to one outlined above. Purpose was to amalgamate the ranger and gardener teams under one manager.
- Role changed as part of internal restructure.
Head Warden (secondment)
National Trust
Derby, Derbyshire
2010.05 - 2011.01
- Responsible for the outdoors at Kedleston Hall, Duffield Castle and Alport Heights.
Warden
National Trust
Chesterfield, Derbyshire
1999.02 - 2010.05
- Managed a 776ha estate at Hardwick Hall including woodland, parkland and water bodies.
- Responsible for writing and carrying out works for the EWGS and completing all tree surveys.
- Researched, planned and implemented an historic tree planting scheme for the park - approximately 800 trees.
Assistant Warden
National Trust
Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire
1994.06 - 1999.02
- Helped manage a 170ha site at Hardcastle Crags, with specific responsibility for managing and implementing the EWGS, and tree inspections.
- Key tasks - footpath maintenance, fencing and stone pitching.
Archaeological Assistant
Brecon Beacons National Park
Brecon, Powys
1994.01 - 1994.06
- Short term contract finding new archaeological features, recording and then mapping them.
Ranger
Flamborough Headland Heritage Coast
Bridlington, East Riding of Yorkshire
1992.03 - 1992.09
- Organised and managed the school visiting programme for the summer.
Education
Master of Science - Rural Resource Management
University of Wales, Bangor
Bangor 1992.09 - 1993.09
Bachelor of Science - Combined Programmes
Leicester University
Leicester 1988.09 - 1991.05
Skills
- Tree and woodland specialist including tree risk assessment and survey
- Extensive practical experience including tree felling, grassland management, fencing and footpath construction
- Managing teams including staff and volunteers
- Experienced at working with contractors in various disciplines and writing contracts
- Specialist in invasive species management/control including rhododendron, snowberry, himalayan balsam and japanese knotweed
- Managing all aspects of H&S including risk audits and risk assessments
- Able to engage with the public, media and influence others
Certification
Hold relevant certification including - chainsaw (felling, large felling, windblow), clearing saw, tractor operation, knapsack spraying, winch operation, trailer driving and advanced off road driving
Affiliations
- Active musician
- Allotment holding
- Landscape archaeology
Timeline
Biodiversity/Geomorphology Technical Specialist
Environment Agency
2022.04 - Current
Senior Green Spaces Officer
Charnwood Borough Council
2015.09 - 2022.04
Lead Ranger
National Trust
2014.05 - 2015.07
Parks & Gardens Manager
National Trust
2012.05 - 2014.05
Outdoors Manager
National Trust
2011.01 - 2012.05
Head Warden (secondment)
National Trust
2010.05 - 2011.01
Warden
National Trust
1999.02 - 2010.05
Assistant Warden
National Trust
1994.06 - 1999.02
Archaeological Assistant
Brecon Beacons National Park
1994.01 - 1994.06
Master of Science - Rural Resource Management
University of Wales, Bangor
1992.09 - 1993.09
Ranger
Flamborough Headland Heritage Coast
1992.03 - 1992.09
Bachelor of Science - Combined Programmes
Leicester University
1988.09 - 1991.05