At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting projects to conserve endangered invertebrates and their habitats.
- Company: Join Buglife, the UK's only organisation dedicated to invertebrate conservation.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, a supportive team, and opportunities for skill development.
- Other info: Engage with communities and influence conservation efforts across South East England.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on nature while working with passionate people.
- Qualifications: Knowledge of invertebrates, project management skills, and a love for wildlife.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
We are looking for a Species Recovery Officer to help conserve some of England’s most threatened invertebrates, delivering a portfolio of species recovery projects across the South and South East of England. This will include species such as Heath Grasshopper (Chorthippus vagans), New Forest Shieldbug (Eysarcoris aeneus), Wormwood Moonshiner (Amara fusca) and the beetle Diastictus vulneratus, together with working in partnership with Plantlife on Field Wormwood (Artemisia campestris). You will conserve invertebrates and their habitats by inspiring, influencing and supporting others, and by managing and enhancing the environment.
Individual work plans are set according to project delivery, organisational strategy, funding available, skills of the officer and opportunities that arise. This role may include:
- Project management; partnership working; overseeing practical habitat management works; coordinating permissions and specialist contractors; working with local communities; managing volunteers; public relations; financial management and teamwork.
The breadth of work may involve a range of habitats and species. You will be expected to have your own area of interest and specialism, but demonstrate a broad knowledge of invertebrate ecology and a willingness to expand your knowledge and work in new areas.
What you’ll do
- Project management, including project development, delivery and relationship management
- Budget management and reporting to funders
- Organise and oversee surveys and habitat management works
- Provide habitat management advice and reports, in partnership with invertebrate and habitat specialists
- Supervise volunteers and contractors and contribute to their recruitment as appropriate
- Advocate for improved management of invertebrate habitats
- Advise clients, colleagues, community groups, landowners, planners and developers
- Maintain and develop own knowledge and skills
- Maintain effective financial records and adhere to full cost recovery principles
- Prepare fundraising applications, with support from others, for a range of opportunities aligned to the organisational strategy and internal cost recovery guidelines
- Educate others through public outreach, talks, seminars, training and development, bug walks, workshops, development of educational materials, relationship building and use of social media
- Influence decision makers, including policy makers, local communities, conservation organisations, developers, land managers and site managers.
- Respond to public enquiries professionally and in accordance with Buglife procedure
- Promote and educate around the study of poorly recorded, declining or endangered groups of invertebrates
- Act as a strong team member internally and externally to deliver against the Buglife strategy
- Prepare media releases, produce promotional material, publicise events and give media interviews when requested
- Build and maintain external relationships which secure future and current project success and the future growth of Buglife
About you
- Knowledge of a range of invertebrate groups
- Demonstrable dedication to protecting the environment and conserving wildlife
- Good level of ecological knowledge and understanding of conservation issues
- Understanding of invertebrate and site legislation and survey practice
- Project management, financial knowledge and experience
- Team player with a confident and persuasive manner
- Excellent written and oral communication skills, including collating information, report‑writing and producing information resources
- Fundraising capability including for projects outside own area of expertise
- Experience of raising public awareness of wildlife and environmental issues
- Experience of organising events and involving the public in projects
- Some botanical knowledge
- Full current driving licence
About Buglife
Buglife is the only organisation in the UK dedicated to the conservation of all invertebrates. Invertebrates are essential to healthy ecosystems, yet many are in serious decline. We work to halt these losses and inspire people to take action for the small but mighty species that keep our world alive.
Why Work With Us?
- Flexible working arrangements
- A friendly, supportive, and values-driven team
- The chance to make a meaningful difference for nature
- Opportunities to develop your skills and experience
Some evening or weekend work and occasional travel may be required.
Species Recovery Officer (South East England) employer: Macaw Recovery Network
At Buglife, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to the conservation of invertebrates across South East England. Our flexible working arrangements and supportive, values-driven team create an inspiring environment where you can make a meaningful difference for nature while developing your skills and experience. Join us to work on impactful projects that not only protect vital ecosystems but also foster community engagement and collaboration.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Species Recovery Officer (South East England)
✨Get Involved in Local Environmental Initiatives
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✨Join Industry-Specific Organisations
Check out organisations like the Institution of Environmental Engineers for networking opportunities and resources. They often host events and seminars that can help us connect with key players in the industry, including potential employers like Macaw Recovery Network.
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Create a portfolio that highlights any relevant projects, whether it's coursework, internships, or personal initiatives. Share this online, perhaps even on platforms like GitHub or your own website, to grab the attention of hiring managers looking for talent like us.
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We think you need these skills to ace Species Recovery Officer (South East England)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for a role in environmental engineering tech, make sure to highlight your technical skills like CAD software proficiency, data analysis, or modelling techniques. These are essential for the job and should stand out in your CV and cover letter, showing how you can contribute to projects at Macaw Recovery Network.
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How to prepare for a job interview at Macaw Recovery Network
✨Brush Up on Environmental Regulations
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest environmental regulations and standards. In an environmental engineering tech role at Macaw Recovery Network, you might be asked specific questions about compliance measures, so understanding these will definitely give you an edge.
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Be ready for behavioural questions that assess how you handle teamwork, conflict, and project management. Think of examples from your studies or practical experiences where you tackled challenges effectively, showcasing both your technical and interpersonal skills.
