Wilder Rivers Adviser

This is an exciting opportunity to play a central role in bringing Suffolk’s rivers back to life at a pivotal moment for nature’s recovery. As we work towards our ambitious goal for 30% of the county to be connected and thriving for wildlife by 2030, in this role you will be at the forefront of restoring the health, function and resilience of our Suffolk rivers. Drawing on your expertise in river ecology and restoration, you will lead and inspire collaborative, innovative action across Suffolk’s river systems.

You will work closely with landowners, partner organisations and local communities to deliver meaningful, landscape-scale improvements that create wilder, healthier waterways full of abundant wildlife. Your leadership will help shape a strategic, countywide approach to river restoration, prioritising areas of greatest need and maximising the impact of nature recovery efforts. You will provide specialist advice, champion best practice and guide riparian landowners in enhancing habitats and improving river function.

You will drive forward ambitious projects, support others to deliver their own initiatives and help ensure the Trust’s resources are used effectively to achieve lasting ecological change. Partnership working is fundamental to this opportunity. You will help build momentum within catchment groups, conservation organisations and major stakeholders, fostering shared purpose and driving collective action. Through raising awareness, influencing decision-makers and contributing your expertise, you will help secure a better future for Suffolk’s rivers and the communities that depend on them.

In this role you will be a volunteer manager and will provide meaningful opportunities to new and existing volunteers that actively support the wilder rivers work and 2030 strategy.

Responsibilities:

• Provide specialist advice, champion best practice and guide riparian landowners in enhancing habitats and improving river function.
• Drive forward ambitious projects, support others to deliver their own initiatives and help ensure the Trust’s resources are used effectively to achieve lasting ecological change.
• Partnership working is fundamental to this opportunity. You will help build momentum within catchment groups, conservation organisations and major stakeholders, fostering shared purpose and driving collective action.
• Raise awareness, influence decision-makers and contribute your expertise to help secure a better future for Suffolk’s rivers and the communities that depend on them.
• In this role you will be a volunteer manager and will provide meaningful opportunities to new and existing volunteers that actively support the wilder rivers work and 2030 strategy.

Qualifications & skills:

• Strong practical knowledge of river ecology, geomorphology and freshwater habitats, with hands-on experience in river restoration techniques and providing technical advice.
• Excellent communication, partnership working and project management skills, with the ability to engage volunteers, manage resources effectively and navigate funding, permissions and regulatory processes.
• Confidence with public speaking, strong IT skills and a proactive, solutions-focused approach.
• Experience as a volunteer manager is included as part of the role.

Role details:

This fixed-term position is up to one year to cover a period of maternity leave. Working hours are 37.5 per week (Monday to Friday 9:00am–5:00pm) based at Brooke House in Ashbocking. Flexible homeworking arrangements apply. Starting salary is up to £32,672 per annum (pro-rata).

How to apply:

To apply for this opportunity, please submit an application via our website by 9:00am on Wednesday 25 February 2026 with interviews planned for Thursday 05 March 2026.

Benefits:

• Annual leave entitlement starts at 33 days per annum (including Bank Holidays), increasing annually to 38 days plus an extra day off for your birthday.
• 9% employer pension contribution with no employee contribution required.
• Free 24-hour Employee Assistance Programme, free life insurance from day one of employment, free access to a private GP and discounts at high street retailers.
• Staff can also enjoy a 10% discount in our visitor centre cafes, including retail.

Diversity & Inclusion:

Suffolk Wildlife Trust is committed to an inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone is welcome. As a conservation charity, we recognise the importance of diversity in both nature and our workforce of staff and volunteers. We strive to ensure that everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute to our vision of “A Wilder Suffolk where nature is thriving and abundant because everyone is doing more to help”.