At a Glance
- Tasks: Coordinate projects to improve water quality and support nature recovery in the Test & Itchen catchment.
- Company: Join Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, a leader in nature conservation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, pension scheme, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on wildlife and communities while working towards a wilder future.
- Qualifications: Passion for the environment and experience in project management and collaboration.
- Other info: Inclusive employer committed to diversity and creating a supportive work environment.
The predicted salary is between 27500 - 31500 £ per year.
Full Time 35 hours per week
Salary: £27,500 to £31,500 depending on skills and experience
Fixed Term Contract until March 2031
Location: Beechcroft House, Vicarage Lane, Curdridge, Hampshire, SO32 2DP
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust is shaping a wilder future for our counties, protecting special places, restoring habitats and inspiring people to act for nature. As part of the UK’s fastest-growing movement for nature’s recovery, we lead with passion, integrity and bold thinking. Join a team where your work has purpose, your ideas matter, and you can help create lasting change for wildlife and people.
We are seeking a Test & Itchen Projects Officer to join our cause. The Project Officer will focus on delivery of the Test & Itchen Recovery Plan; a new strategic pilot hosted by the Test & Itchen Catchment Partnership. Working closely with co-hosts Wessex Rivers Trust, this role will coordinate a variety of projects and support reporting to a new TICP Strategic Leadership Group, including tracking of delivery against the new TICPs Catchment Plan. This role is a critical link between the Catchment Partnership and Southern Water over the AMP 8 period 2025 to 2030, aiming to support Integrated Catchment Management between Southern Water and the partnership with a focus on project development.
The role has two key functions:
- Collation and coordination of projects between Southern Water and the Catchment Hosts/Catchment Partnership and the creation of a shared priority project pipeline plan.
- Support the coordination of ongoing partnership projects running with Southern Water and the Catchment Hosts/Catchment Partnership.
What you’ll be doing:
- You’ll oversee and coordinate projects that improve water quality, water resource resilience and nature recovery in the catchment, making the link between water company activity and environmental improvement; notably the WINEP programme.
- You’ll combine environmental expertise and knowledge of the water sector with project management skills to ensure the successful planning, execution, and completion of projects that have a positive impact on the environment, Southern Water outcomes, Catchment Partnership outcomes and local communities.
- You’ll coordinate project planning and support delivery between Southern Water and the Test & Itchen Catchment Partnership (TICP), to ensure Southern Water projects are co-developed with wider stakeholders (where applicable). The process will ensure better integration between Southern Water projects and wider TICP based projects, including a shared project pipeline.
- You’ll go on to manage collaborative Southern Water projects as appropriate.
About you:
You’re an enthusiastic and collaborative environmental professional with a solid understanding of river catchments and their ecology. Confident managing projects and partnerships, you balance technical insight with strong communication and coordination skills. You build productive relationships across diverse stakeholders, from water companies and NGOs to local communities, and are motivated by delivering real outcomes for nature. Passionate about wildlife and driven by the Wilder 2030 vision, you’re ready to help restore the Test and Itchen and support a wilder, more resilient Hampshire.
Wild About Inclusion! As an inclusive employer we recognise that our workforce needs to better reflect the communities in which we live and work. We encourage applications from all sections of the community, particularly those underrepresented within our sector, including people from black, Asian, minority ethnic backgrounds and people with disabilities. We are committed to creating a Movement that recognises and truly values individual differences and identities.
Disability Confident. We are proudly a Disability Confident Committed employer. The scheme is helping us recruit and retain great people to meet our workforce needs. As a member of the scheme, we will ensure that a fair and proportionate number of disabled applicants that meet the minimum criteria for this position will be offered an interview.
To be considered for an interview under the Disability Confident Scheme you must:
- Identify as being disabled which under the Equality Act 2010 means a physical or mental impairment which has a substantial, long term adverse effect on your ability to carry out normal day to day activities; or a long-term health condition;
- Set out how you meet all the minimum qualifying criteria set out in the person specification for the post at the application and testing stages. This is a requirement for all candidates, not just those applying under the scheme.
We offer a wide range of benefits including a competitive salary, generous annual leave allowance, a contributory pension scheme, life assurance, learning and development support, 24-hour access to our employee assistance programme, discounted staff travel with our corporate partners Wightlink (subject to T&Cs), free parking at our sites and more.
Closing date: 01 February 2026
Interviews: To be confirmed
To apply for the role, please click on the 'Apply Now' button at the top of the page. In the supporting information section, you’ll need to demonstrate, with detailed examples, how you meet the job requirements using the Job Description and Person Specification below. Please note that we may occasionally close vacancies early when we have received enough applications that meet the required criteria.
Please do not use artificial intelligence tools to assist you to complete the application form. We may not accept applications that have been completed utilising AI tools.
Projects Officer (Conservation - Test & Itchen) in Portsmouth employer: Wildlife Trust Hampshire
Contact Detail:
Wildlife Trust Hampshire Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Projects Officer (Conservation - Test & Itchen) in Portsmouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the conservation field, especially those connected to the Test & Itchen projects. Attend local events or webinars and don’t be shy about introducing yourself – you never know who might have a lead on your dream job!
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, let your enthusiasm for wildlife and conservation shine through. Share your ideas on how you can contribute to their mission – it’ll make you stand out from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and its projects. Familiarise yourself with the Test & Itchen Recovery Plan and think about how your skills can help achieve their goals. This will show that you’re not just interested in any job, but specifically in making a difference with them.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Don’t forget to highlight your relevant experience and how it aligns with the role!
We think you need these skills to ace Projects Officer (Conservation - Test & Itchen) in Portsmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Nature: When writing your application, let your love for wildlife and conservation shine through. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role and how it aligns with our mission to create a wilder future.
Tailor Your Examples: Make sure to use specific examples from your experience that relate directly to the job description. Highlight your project management skills and any relevant work with water quality or catchment management to show us you’re the right fit.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key points stand out. This helps us quickly see how you meet the criteria.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to hit that 'Apply Now' button on our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Wildlife Trust Hampshire
✨Know Your Catchment
Before the interview, dive deep into the specifics of the Test & Itchen Recovery Plan. Understand the key challenges and opportunities in the catchment area. This will not only show your enthusiasm but also your commitment to the role and its impact on local wildlife.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Be ready to discuss your previous project management experiences, especially those related to environmental projects. Use specific examples that highlight your ability to coordinate with diverse stakeholders and deliver successful outcomes.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Since this role involves liaising with various partners, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Prepare to explain complex concepts in simple terms, demonstrating your strong communication skills and ability to engage with different audiences.
✨Align with Their Vision
Familiarise yourself with the Wilder 2030 vision and be prepared to discuss how your values align with this mission. Show your passion for wildlife conservation and how you can contribute to creating a wilder, more resilient Hampshire.