Conservation Officer

This is a rare opportunity to get involved with species reintroduction from the very beginning; developing the plans to bring back a small, yet vital missing part of our ecosystem.

We’re looking for a Conservation Officer with knowledge and experience of habitat restoration, species reintroduction and management to set up and deliver the initial phase of the species recovery programme that will form part of the Upper Irthing PRISM (Peatlands, Rivers, Invasive Species, Meadows) Landscape Recovery Project.

About the role

Responsible for developing the Upper Irthing PRISM Project water vole conservation strategy, the Conservation Officer will set up monitoring and control of invasive American mink, carry out habitat suitability assessments, prepare habitat restoration plans and recruit volunteers to support the project.

You will work with local land-managers/owners, wildlife managers and other stakeholders across the Upper Irthing catchment to build ongoing support for the project.

Occasionally you may work on ERT’s other work such as the Lowther water vole project.

Based in Forestry England’s office at MOD Spadeadam and ERT’s office in Penrith, you will work in Upper Irthing catchment in the northern tip of our catchment – a wild and remote area (with a beauty all of its own) where Hadrian’s Wall winds its way across country.

About you

The ideal candidate will be self-motivated, organised and happy to work outdoors all weathers, often in remote areas. A wildlife enthusiast, you will have the experience needed to restore habitats and control the invasive non-native species (INNS) that will be essential for a successful reintroduction of water vole, a key native species still missing from most of Cumbria’s riverbanks.

We’re also looking for a confident communicator who will promote the project far and wide to key stakeholders and the public through talks, guided walks, events, articles and social media and enthuse and support volunteers who will conduct surveys and control INNS.

You will hold a relevant environmental qualification or equivalent experience and a full current UK driving licence.

This role could suit someone who works full-time or perhaps two people as a job share.

This post is offered as a two-year contract. However, if the project is successful, it will become one of Defra’s Landscape Recovery Programmes with a 20-year (minimum) delivery period and there is a strong possibility that this role will be extended to cover the life of the second phase of the project.

About us

Enhancing and protecting the river environment so that people and nature in Cumbria can thrive is at the heart of our work. By rethinking rivers for good, we are changing conversations, finding ways to work smarter and inspiring and empowering others to do the best for our rivers. We believe in partnership, creativity and flexibility, and we are rooted in the Eden – working at ground level with local communities, land managers and businesses.

The deadline for applications is 9 am on Monday 4 March 2024.

Interviews will be held on 14 and 15 March 2024.