Nature Unlocked Programme Officer

In the UK and globally, the value of biodiversity is increasingly important in human lives and livelihoods. RBG Kew’s scientific mission as a world‑leading biodiversity institute is to stop biodiversity loss and develop nature‑based solutions to societal challenges through its science strategy. Nature Unlocked is Kew’s UK focused interdisciplinary conservation research programme based at Kew Wakehurst. The programme brings together Kew scientists with academic and industry partners to address the challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss in the UK. Working within Wakehurst’s diverse, multi‑habitat landscape, the programme uses a living laboratory approach to co‑design and test innovative scientific solutions. Central to this is the Wakehurst Ecosystem Observatory, a long‑term environmental monitoring network that enables the development and scaling of new methods and evidence on ecosystem services and ecological change over time. The team are also working with external partners to scale‑up the approach developed at Wakehurst. Alongside research, Nature Unlocked actively engages visitors, members, policy makers, and land managers, translating science into practice to support nature recovery and climate resilience.

The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (RBG Kew) is a leading plant science institute, UNESCO World Heritage Site, and major visitor attraction. Our mission is to understand and protect plants and fungi for the well‑being of people and the future of all life on Earth. We are working to end the unprecedented extinction crisis and to help create a world where nature is protected, valued by all and managed sustainably. We will achieve these goals by drawing on our leading scientific research, unrivalled collections of plants and fungi, global network of partners, inspirational gardens at Kew and Wakehurst, and our 260 years of history. Join us on our journey as protectors of the world’s plants and fungi.

The Programme Officer role will facilitate the delivery of the Nature Unlocked programme. This will involve coordinating research activity, disseminating research outcomes and tracking progress of the Nature Unlocked to ensure the programme is delivering research impact for Wakehurst and the region. The Programme Officer role will coordinate Nature Unlocked activities across Kew, working closely with other Kew scientists, Public Programmes and Marketing & Communications teams. The postholder will also support the effective day‑to‑day operation of the Wakehurst Ecosystem Observatory research facility as well as liaise with a growing network of external collaborators conducting research on‑site.

The successful candidate will bring strong administrative and programme coordination experience, with the ability to manage timelines, reporting requirements and competing priorities across a complex research programme. They will demonstrate a keen interest in science and confidence engaging internal and external stakeholders with technical content. Excellent organisational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to build effective working relationships are essential. The postholder will also support communications and impact activities, contributing to the wider operational delivery of Wakehurst and Science Directorates, commensurate with the grade of the role.

Interviews are due to take place on 8 April. This role is based at Wakehurst with the option of regular home working, subject to operational requirements.

The salary for this position is £34,216 - £34,527 per annum, depending on skills and experience. Opportunities for continuous learning include a generous annual leave entitlement, flexible working to help you maintain a healthy work‑life balance, Employee Assistance Programme and other wellbeing support such as cycle to work scheme and discounted gym membership, a competitive pension, an employee discount scheme and free entry into a wide range of national museums and galleries, as well as access to our own beautiful gardens at Kew and Wakehurst.

If you are interested in this position, please submit your application through the online portal, by clicking “Apply for this job”. We are dedicated to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from all sections of the community. We are committed to interview disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the post.