Nature Recovery Officer in Leicester

Responsible to:

Senior Nature Recovery Officer

Responsible for:

Volunteers, trainees and contractors as required for specific project activities

Purpose of post:

The Trust’s Nature Recovery Strategy aims to facilitate positive changes in land management across Leicestershire and Rutland, creating a network of wildlife‑rich places that are bigger, better connected and contribute to nature recovery at a landscape scale.

Main responsibilities of the post:

• Support the development and delivery of nature recovery projects across Leicestershire and Rutland, helping to ensure that project targets, monitoring, evaluation, reporting and funder requirements are met in a timely way.
• Provide practical support to the Senior Nature Recovery Officer and Head of Nature Recovery in delivering the Trust’s Nature Recovery Strategy and associated projects beyond the Trust’s nature reserves.
• Provide technical advice and support to farmers, landowners and land managers on land management for nature recovery, including habitat creation, restoration, enhancement and long‑term management.
• Build positive and trusted relationships with key stakeholders including farmers, landowners, land managers, project partners and local communities to help secure land management change for wildlife.
• Support or lead defined packages of project work, including emerging projects linked to the recreation sector, university sector, land management partnerships and other strategic opportunities as they arise.
• Support current and future headline species recovery projects, which may include species such as Glow Worms, Hazel Dormice, Water Voles and other Priority Species, ensuring that activity is evidence‑led and aligned with wider habitat and landscape recovery objectives.
• Undertake and/or coordinate ecological surveys, site assessments, monitoring and data collection to inform project development, delivery and evaluation.
• Assist with the analysis and interpretation of conservation data to identify opportunities and threats for biodiversity, and to support advice to landowners, partners and other stakeholders.
• Support the preparation of land management plans, habitat opportunity plans, survey reports, project updates, case studies and other written outputs.
• Work with colleagues, volunteers, contractors and partner organisations to deliver practical conservation activity, habitat management, species monitoring and engagement events.
• Support the Trust’s work with external partners, including local authorities, universities, recreation‑sector organisations, farmers, landowners, NGOs and community groups.
• Represent LRWT at relevant meetings, site visits, events and partnership activities, promoting nature recovery, landscape‑scale approaches and nature‑based solutions.
• Help raise awareness of nature recovery through talks, guided walks, volunteer activities, citizen science, training sessions and other engagement opportunities.
• Contribute ideas for new projects, funding opportunities and landowner engagement initiatives that support the Trust’s Nature Recovery Strategy.
• Ensure that health and safety, safeguarding, environmental and data management procedures are followed in all areas of work.
• Carry out any other duties that are appropriate to the nature and grade of the post.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Skills

• Good communicator, both written and oral, with the ability to explain nature conservation issues clearly to different audiences.
• Ability to build and maintain positive working relationships with farmers, landowners, volunteers, contractors, partners and colleagues.
• Good organisational skills, including the ability to manage time, prioritise tasks and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work independently when required, while also contributing positively to a small growing team.
• Good ecological field skills, or the ability and willingness to develop them quickly.
• Ability to collect, record, manage and interpret ecological and land management information accurately.
• Confidence using IT, including Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to use, or willingness to learn, specialist software such as QGIS.
• Ability to prepare clear written reports, project updates, land management notes and basic monitoring summaries.
• Practical problem‑solving skills and a positive, adaptable approach to project delivery.
• Ability to support volunteers and community participants in a safe, inclusive and effective way.

Knowledge/Experience

• Education to degree level or similar in ecology, conservation, environmental science, countryside management, agriculture or a related subject, or proven relevant experience in nature conservation, ecology, land management or a related sector.
• Knowledge of UK wildlife conservation, habitats and species, with an understanding of the principles of nature recovery and ecological connectivity.
• Some experience of habitat survey, species survey, site assessment, land management or practical conservation.
• Understanding of the role of farming, land management and rural businesses in delivering nature recovery.
• Knowledge of Priority Habitats and Species relevant to Leicestershire and Rutland, or the ability to develop this knowledge quickly.
• Understanding of species recovery principles and the importance of evidence‑led conservation action.
• Awareness of relevant wildlife legislation, protected species, designated sites and planning or land management policy frameworks in England.
• Awareness of agri‑environment schemes, nature‑based solutions, Biodiversity Net Gain, natural capital or green finance would be desirable.
• Experience of project delivery, including monitoring, reporting and working to agreed outputs, would be desirable.
• Experience of working with, or communicating effectively with, farmers, landowners, land managers, contractors, volunteers and/or community groups would be desirable.
• Experience of using GIS, biological records, survey databases or other conservation data systems would be desirable.

Attributes

• Enthusiastic, positive and self‑motivated.
• Passionate about nature recovery and committed to delivering practical outcomes for wildlife.
• Curious and willing to learn, with an ambition to develop a career in the nature conservation sector.
• Professional, reliable and honest.
• Practical, adaptable and willing to work outdoors in a range of conditions.
• Able to listen carefully and work constructively with people who may have different perspectives or priorities.
• Articulate, clear and persuasive without being confrontational.
• High personal standards and pride in the quality of work.
• Resilient and persistent, particularly when working on complex land management or partnership issues.
• Committed to LRWT’s values and to creating an inclusive, respectful working environment.

KEY TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employer: Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust

Place of work: The Trust’s Central Office, The Old Mill, 9 Soar Lane, Leicester. Or our Rutland Water Volunteer Training Centre Oakham Rd, Oakham LE15 8AD

Hours of work: 35 hours per week. Flexible working to include evenings and weekends. Overtime is not payable, time off in lieu may be taken when additional hours are worked.

Leave: Annual leave entitlement is 25 days plus statutory public holidays per annum pro rata.

Pension: The Trust operates an Auto‑enrolment Pension Scheme and pays an employer contribution of up to 7% of gross salary contingent on a 50% matching contribution from the employee.

Death in Service: Death in service cover is provided at three times annual salary.

Training: A training budget is allocated to this post and on-the-job training will also be given.

Travel: A full, current driving licence is essential. Trust vehicles can be used, if available, otherwise the standard Trust mileage rate will be payable for the business use of the post holder’s private car.

Probation period: A probationary period of six months applies, during which new employees are expected to demonstrate their suitability for the post.

Equal opportunities: The Trust’s Equality and Diversity Policy is available on request. The requirements for outdoor work in areas with access difficulties should be borne in mind by applicants.

Environmental policy: The post holder will be expected to carry out their job responsibilities in an environmentally aware manner, ensuring as little damage to the environment as possible. LRWT aims to ensure all resources are utilised effectively and efficiently. The post holder will be expected to apply ‘sound value for money’ principles in undertaking purchasing or supply of goods and services.

Closing Date: Sunday 21st June 2026

Interview Date: Thursday 2nd July 2026