Senior Conservation Projects Officer (Freshwater Ecology Focus)

Senior Conservation Projects Officer (Freshwater Ecology Focus)

Shrewsbury, Shropshire

£26,138 per annum, plus pension 

This is a fixed term contract for one year, 35 a week, full time

Shropshire Wildlife Trust (SWT) is working to address the ‘triple crisis’ of climate emergency, ecological crisis, and people’s disconnection from nature. We manage 41 nature reserves, we work closely with other land managers to restore habitats, and we run innovative programmes to help people of all ages and backgrounds engage with nature. The Trust and its trading subsidiary employ over 40 staff, in addition to 800 volunteers and a network of local branches. Annual turnover is around £3m. SWT is an autonomous charity, but we are also part of the Wildlife Trusts movement (TWT) and we aim to align our programmes and systems more closely with TWT where this will enhance our impact.

Working within a busy team of the Trust, you’ll deliver the practical elements of a Nature Recovery Network for Shropshire. You’ll assist in the management, delivery and development of multiple Nature Recovery Network projects within the County of Shropshire. Working to sustain, promote and nurture the Nature Recovery Network approach in all aspects of your professional work, you will utilise good ecological sense and adopt a catchment based approach which underpins project design, targeting and delivery of the Nature Recovery Programme. 

This post would be suited to someone who is able to communicate technical information in a straightforward and accessible manner to a broad audience. Someone with great communication skills, ideally that has contract management skills and reasonable IT skills in MS Office and digital mapping. You must be able to inspire and enable local volunteers either through training or supportive activity to take an active part in their natural environment.

Some experience of offering land management advice to landowners would be useful. A tactful approach, good diplomatic skills and the ability to be able to persuade landowners to consent to work on their own land is essential.

An understanding of terrestrial or water dependent habitats and practical habitat improvements, or experience of practical activities such as wetland creation, hedge row planting and river restoration is vital. A qualification in a land management related subject and practical experience would be an advantage. Ecological study to Degree level, relevant professional qualifications and memberships are all advantageous to this post.

Due to the nature of the role a full driving licence is essential.

Closing date: 30th June 2021

Interview date: TBC