Arctic Charr Project Manager in Kendal

Salary: £37,000

Hours per week: Full time (37.5 hours)

Location: Hybrid working. Based at our Species Recovery Centre on the western shore of Windermere or our offices in Milnthorpe nr Kendal, Cumbria at least 3 days per week. Travel throughout the Lake District will be required during the field season so this position doesn't support purely remote working.

Reports to: Species Recovery Manager

Contract type: Initially three years with ambition to make permanent, subject to funding.

About us and what we do

Nestled on the stunning shores of Windermere in the heart of the Lake District, the Freshwater Biological Association is more than just a research organisation - it's a mission-driven environmental NGO dedicated to protecting and restoring the life of our rivers and lakes. Working here means being part of a team that combines science with a deep respect for nature, driving real-world impact for freshwater ecosystems.

At the heart of our work is our Species Recovery Centre on the western shore of Windermere, a unique facility where we carry out our vital science and conservation work. This centre is home to our pioneering efforts in freshwater pearl mussel conservation breeding and is the base for our ambitious Arctic charr research and conservation programme, focusing on one of the UK's most iconic and vulnerable fish species.

The Lake District Charr Recovery & Management (LD-CHARM) project aims to secure the future of Arctic charr in our lakes by studying the species ecology, genetics, and responses to multiple stressors, recommending targeted conservation/restoration actions. This work is not only scientifically exciting but vital for maintaining the health and heritage of freshwater ecosystems.

Working at the FBA means joining a passionate team where your expertise contributes directly to reversing biodiversity loss and shaping a sustainable future. The work we do makes a real difference, where the science we undertake is not just for the sake of it, but applied to heal the natural world.

About the role

This role is an exciting addition to the FBA's species recovery remit. The role will primarily involve managing the LD-CHARM partnership and all work packages funded through the Natural England Species Recovery Programme, announced in July 2026. The successful candidate will work closely with the FBA Species Recovery Manager and Head of Science to ensure effective collaboration, delivery of project objectives, and alignment with wider organisational priorities.

This ambitious £690K project aims to build a comprehensive understanding of the current population status and key stressors in all eight extant charr populations in the Lake District, to inform conservation/restoration priorities for the species. This will be achieved through the integration of existing ecological, environmental, and genetic data, together with contemporary field surveys, to develop a comprehensive understanding of the current status of the species and the threats it faces.

The ideal candidate will have significant technical expertise working across a range of fisheries-related projects, whilst being capable of leading an established partnership. This is an exciting opportunity to lead an established partnership engaged in action focussed science. Tasks will be varied, from summarising data and information from our significant historic archive, to designing and implementing visual surveys of charr spawning activity. You will not only lead the partnership, ensuring timely delivery of all project outputs, but you will also support fieldwork and communicate the project outcomes to a wide range of audiences, garnering support and increased understanding of this elusive species.

Specifically, you will be tasked with:

• Leading the established LD-CHARM partnership including chairing meetings, project finance/administration/reporting, ensuring smooth and timely project delivery and promoting the project.
• Manage environmental and monitoring data acquisition and analysis to support the needs of the project.
• In combination with eDNA and spawning habitat quality assessments, use photography/videography to confirm charr spawning behavior in key locations in all Lake District lakes.
• Work with other key members of staff to extract all relevant data and information from the FBA's archives. This significant task will provide valuable historic context for contemporary population and genetic studies.
• Developing new partnerships, collaborations and funding opportunities to continue project activities for the long term.

About you and what you will do

We're looking for a dynamic and passionate leader to take on a truly rewarding role at the FBA. This is your opportunity to combine exceptional organisational skills with a love for species conservation in a varied and fascinating role.

Leadership with Purpose: You'll lead the project, fostering an ongoing positive and collaborative environment where ideas thrive. You'll seize opportunities to add value to the project either through additional funded pieces of work, or by engaging previously unreached stakeholders.

Practical and action oriented: Not only will you oversee the project, but you will also plan and execute timely field visits and surveys, integrating activities with those of partners for maximum impact.

Clarity in Communication: You will possess exceptional interpersonal communication skills, both verbal and written, enabling you to clearly articulate ideas, strategies, and instructions to all stakeholders. Your clarity and professionalism build trust and alignment across diverse audiences.

Planning and organisation: You can juggle multiple tasks and can prioritise activities, tackling immediate challenges while keeping an eye on the bigger picture. Your foresight ensures sustainable success and adaptability.

Securing project longevity: You will be well versed in writing winning grant proposals to establish ongoing funding streams for Arctic charr recovery, enabling sustainable project delivery and creating measurable, long term improvements for charr populations.

Above all, we're looking for a true team player-someone who values collaboration, supports colleagues, and is committed to achieving shared goals. If you're ready to lead, innovate, and make a lasting impact, we'd love to hear from you!

Essential skills:

• 3-5 years experience working with fish, especially salmonids
• Degree in biology/related subject, higher degree beneficial.
• Experience working in lakes and rivers
• Demonstrable success and several years of project management and leadership experience.
• Fostering strong and lasting relationships between a wide range of stakeholders including funders, partners, collaborators and researchers.
• Experience of assessing and managing risk, carrying out risk assessments and ensuring Health and Safety measures are adhered to at all times.
• Driver's licence and access to own car.

Desirable skills:

• Previous experience of endangered species conservation and planning.
• RYA Powerboat Level 2 qualification and boat handling experience.

What do we offer?

• Flexible working - hybrid models with flexible working hours considered and TOIL policy in line with business needs
• 27.5 days leave/year, in addition to bank holidays, rising to 32.5 days/year after 5 years
• Health & wellbeing programmes including cash plan and wellbeing support phone line
• Life insurance - 3x salary
• Contributory pension scheme
• Professional development support

Additional Information

This role is physical in nature, so applicants need a good level of fitness, with some heavy lifting involved and frequent working near/on water during the field season (training and PPE provided). Applicants should be comfortable working outdoors in all weather. Knowledge and experience of lone working and H&S protocols including lone working would be an advantage. There may be the requirement for occasional weekend working subject to the needs of the project (TOIL system in place). Driving licence and use of own car is required (expenses paid in line with travel and subsistence policy). There is the opportunity for conference attendance and networking.

The closing date for applications is 24 August 2026 with interviews anticipated w/c 14 September. Interviews will be held face to face at our Species Recovery Centre on the western shore of Windermere. If you would like an informal discussion about the role please email the Head of Science Dr. Louise Lavictoire.