At a Glance
- Tasks: Engage communities and lead marine conservation initiatives at Allonby Bay.
- Company: Join Cumbria Wildlife Trust, a leader in marine conservation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension contributions, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity to work in a unique marine environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on marine nature recovery and community engagement.
- Qualifications: Passion for marine conservation and experience in community outreach.
The predicted salary is between 33458 - 33458 £ per year.
This role will be centred around Allonby Bay, a Highly Protected Marine Area (HPMA), and the surrounding coastline. Our ideal candidate will have a passion for connecting people to their local marine environment and the ability to engage and help build awareness, shaping how people connect with and benefit from the marine environment around them.
Cumbria Wildlife Trust is seeking an enthusiastic Allonby Bay (Marine Science and Engagement) Officer to help deliver a project supporting the long-term success of England’s first Highly Protected Marine Area (HPMA) at Allonby Bay, designated in 2023. In this varied and rewarding role, you will combine community engagement, citizen science, marine monitoring, and partnership working to help people better understand, value, and connect with this nationally important marine environment.
Allonby Bay is a unique stretch of coast, rich in marine wildlife and an important place for local communities, businesses, and sea users. You will lead the delivery of a citizen science and marine engagement programme, working with volunteers, local businesses, conservation partners, and recreational and commercial sea users to build awareness of the HPMA and encourage positive action for marine conservation. You will also design and deliver events, workshops, and interpretation activities that make marine conservation engaging, accessible, and relevant to diverse audiences.
Working closely with project partners, statutory conservation bodies, local stakeholders, and businesses, you will act as a bridge between sea users and conservation organisations, ensuring local perspectives help shape project delivery. Alongside engagement activities, you will contribute to project management, reporting, evaluation, communications, and knowledge-sharing, helping to demonstrate impact and share learning with others. This is an exciting opportunity to make a real difference for marine nature recovery while helping communities engage with one of the UK’s most important marine conservation initiatives.
If you are passionate about marine conservation, organised and proactive, and enjoy bringing people together around a shared purpose, we would love to hear from you.
Requirements and Candidate Fit
- Passion for marine conservation and ability to engage diverse audiences
- Experience in community engagement, citizen science, or related outreach roles
- Ability to work with volunteers, local businesses, conservation partners, and sea users
- Strong organisational skills and proactive, team-focused approach
- Comfort contributing to project management, reporting, evaluation, communications, and knowledge sharing
Contract and Location Details
- Contract length: Fixed term for 12 months, starting September 2026
- Location: Allonby Bay HPMA area; option to work from home with office space at Gosling Sike, Carlisle
- Hours: Full time (35 hours per week)
- Salary: £33,458 per annum, plus pension contributions
Additional Information
The closing date for applications is 10 August 2026 at 09:00. Interviews will be held at our offices in Kendal, likely on 18 or 19 August 2026. Applications should be submitted with a cover letter detailing suitability, to Claire Shepherd, HR Manager, Cumbria Wildlife Trust, or by email to admin@cumbriawildlifetrust.org.uk. Please note that Cumbria Wildlife Trust does not own the HPMA and is not responsible for enforcement of it. This is an awareness project about local marine and coastal wildlife.
Allonby Bay (Marine Science & Engagement) Officer in Maryport employer: England as Cumbria Wildlife Trust Limited
Cumbria Wildlife Trust is an exceptional employer for those passionate about wildlife and conservation, offering a supportive work culture that values resilience and communication skills. With part-time roles that provide flexibility, generous pension contributions, and opportunities to engage with the community at nature reserves and events, employees can make a meaningful impact while enjoying a rewarding work-life balance.
Contact Details:
England as Cumbria Wildlife Trust Limited Recruitment Team
