At a Glance
- Tasks: Support geographical expeditions and provide training for grant recipients.
- Company: Royal Geographical Society, a leader in geographical education and exploration.
- Benefits: Flexible working, 25 days leave, pension scheme, and employee support.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and collaboration.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team making a real impact in geographical exploration.
- Qualifications: Experience in leading field projects and knowledge of ethical research practices.
The predicted salary is between 30800 - 35100 £ per year.
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full-Time
Location: South Kensington, London SW7
Salary: £35,897–£39,180 per annum, depending on experience
About Us
The Royal Geographical Society (with the Institute of British Geographers) is the learned society and professional body for geography and geographers. It is also a charity and a membership organisation. The Society was founded in 1830 and has been one of the most active of the learned societies ever since. It was pivotal in establishing geography as a teaching and research discipline in British universities and continues to play a key role in geographical and environmental education.
The Society is a leading world centre for geographical learning – supporting education, teaching, research, professional practice and scientific expeditions, as well as promoting public understanding and enjoyment of geography and providing advice to policymakers.
The Society offers professional accreditation to members through Chartered Geographer status.
About You and the Role
Joining a specialised team at a time of growth, the Expeditions Officer will deploy first-hand exploratory field research experience in providing practical support for practitioners, helping reinforce the Society’s role as an international leader and convening power representing diverse forms of geographical exploration.
This operational role is central to evolving the Society's technical resources, strategic programmes, and flagship events, ensuring our support for both our grant recipients and the wider community of practitioners remains rigorous and impactful.
Key Responsibilities
- Expedition advisory support: Participate in the provision of advice and support to Society grant recipients and other expedition teams and individuals across their project lifecycles.
- Training, events and content: Work with colleagues and external trainers to develop and organise needs-based training opportunities, primarily for Society grant recipients and other supported individuals and teams, across a range of subjects. Support the development of multimedia resources to support Society members and the wider community of field practitioners in undertaking safe, ethical, impactful expeditions.
- Governance and reporting: Contribute data and updates for the bi-annual reporting to the Expeditions & Fieldwork Committee and quarterly workplan reporting to management and trustees.
The successful candidate will have demonstrable experience leading successful exploratory field projects, preferably through overseas, collaborative, impact-driven ventures in remote and challenging contexts. The successful candidate will apply both academic knowledge and a practical understanding of safe, ethical and impactful field research, significantly expanding the Society’s capacity to support diverse forms of geographical exploration.
Salary and Benefits
This is a permanent, full-time post subject to successful completion of a probationary period of three months. The salary range for this post is £35,897–£39,180 per annum depending on experience and qualifications. The post is based in Kensington, London.
There are a range of benefits at the Society which include the following:
- 35-hour working week with core working hours between 10.00am and 4.00pm.
- Flexible working arrangements are available with a mix of office based and home working.
- 25 days annual leave per annum, pro rata, plus public bank holidays.
- Society closure between Christmas and New Year, in addition to the basic annual leave allowance.
- Pension scheme - 3% employee, 7.5% employer.
- Group Life Assurance at four-times basic annual salary.
- Corporate eye care vouchers.
- Cycle to work scheme.
- Free 24-hour Employee Assistance helpline with available counselling support.
Applications must be received by 9.30am on Friday 10th April. Interviews are planned to take place on 20 April.
Interested? If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.
The Society aims to be an equal opportunities employer. We strongly encourage applicants from those traditionally underrepresented in the geographical discipline. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK. The Society is unable to offer work visa sponsorships. No agencies please.
Expeditions Officer employer: Royal Geographical Society
Contact Detail:
Royal Geographical Society Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Expeditions Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the geography field, especially those who have worked with the Royal Geographical Society. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just land you that Expeditions Officer role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your experience! When you get the chance to speak with potential employers, highlight your hands-on field research experience. Share stories of your past expeditions and how they’ve shaped your understanding of safe and ethical practices.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on the Society’s recent projects and initiatives. Being knowledgeable about their work will not only impress them but also show your genuine interest in contributing to their mission.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at the Royal Geographical Society.
We think you need these skills to ace Expeditions Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Expeditions Officer. We want to see how your background in exploratory field research can contribute to our mission!
Showcase Your Experience: Don’t hold back on sharing your hands-on experience with field projects, especially those that were collaborative and impactful. We love seeing real-world examples that demonstrate your skills and knowledge!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that make it easy for us to see your qualifications and enthusiasm for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Remember to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the Expeditions Officer position.
How to prepare for a job interview at Royal Geographical Society
✨Know Your Geography
Brush up on your geographical knowledge and current trends in the field. The Society values a strong understanding of geography, so be prepared to discuss recent developments or projects that excite you.
✨Showcase Your Field Experience
Be ready to share specific examples from your past expeditions or field projects. Highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you ensured safety and ethical practices during your research.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Think about potential scenarios you might encounter as an Expeditions Officer. Prepare to discuss how you would provide support to grant recipients or develop training resources, showcasing your problem-solving skills.
✨Engage with Their Mission
Familiarise yourself with the Society's mission and values. During the interview, express how your personal goals align with their commitment to geographical education and exploration, demonstrating your passion for the role.