Hours: Full-time
Contract Type: Fixed Term (until end of March 2029)
Salary: £28,337.89 per annum
Location: South Devon
Are you passionate about the small things that run the world? We have an exciting opportunity to join our team and help to make a real difference for some of South Devon’s most threatened invertebrates.
Buglife is recruiting a Conservation Officer who will be the species conservation and habitat restoration ecologist on the Life on the Edge project (LotE). LotE is a multi-partner National Lottery Heritage Fund project that aims to restore viable populations of some of the UK’s rarest invertebrates and plants living along the South Devon coast between Berry Head and Wembury, including the last known colony of the Six-banded Nomad Bee (Nomada sexfasciata). This bee faces imminent extinction unless action is taken. The project will also enable the recovery of over 30 other threatened invertebrates including the Long-horned Bee (Eucera longicornis), Short-necked Oil Beetle (Meloe brevicollis), and Moon Spider (Callilepis nocturna), along with 30 rare or declining plant species.
The project will provide 675ha. of new and improved species-rich grasslands along the coast of South Devon between 2024 and 2029. The Conservation Officer will inspire and support farmers and landowners within the five project hotspots to restore species-rich grassland, including via Countryside Stewardship, as well as delivering events, talks and providing habitat management advice for pollinators.
You will be part of a dynamic team, working with project partners including South Devon National Landscapes, National Trust, South West Coast Path Association, Doorstep Arts and local communities, organisations, farmers and landowners.
This role will include: practical project management and delivery; partnership working; overseeing practical habitat management works; developing and delivering innovative ideas and solutions to engaging farming communities with invertebrates and their conservation; undertaking ecological surveys, managing volunteers; public relations; financial management and teamwork.
We are looking for someone who has their own area of interest and specialism, but can also demonstrate a broad knowledge of invertebrate ecology and a willingness to expand their knowledge and work in new areas.
Do you have?
- Experience of working with the farming community
- Knowledge of a range of invertebrate groups, and some botanical knowledge.
- Demonstrable dedication to protecting the environment and conserving wildlife
- Good level of ecological knowledge and understanding of conservation issues
- Experience of working in partnership with other organisations, volunteers, landowners and contractors.
- Project management, financial knowledge and experience
- Experience of raising public awareness of wildlife and environmental issues
- Experience of organising events and involving the public in projects.
This role is fixed term until 31st March 2029, based on 5 days a week. You will work with the wider Life on the Edge team at the South Devon National Landscape office in Totnes, and at Buglife’s office in Plymouth, home working will also be considered. A flexible approach to the working pattern will be considered for the successful candidate.
We pride ourselves on our commitment to equality of opportunity for all staff and applicants. Should you require any support to assist you with your application please do not hesitate to contact us at [email protected].
About us
Buglife’s aim is to halt the extinction of invertebrate species and to achieve sustainable populations of invertebrates.
We are working hard to achieve this through:
- Promoting the environmental importance of invertebrates and raising awareness about the challenges to their survival.
- Assisting in the development of legislation and policy that will ensure the conservation of invertebrates.
- Developing and disseminating knowledge about how to conserve invertebrates.
- Encouraging and supporting invertebrate conservation initiatives by other organisations in the UK, Europe and worldwide.
- Undertaking practical conservation projects that will contribute to achieving our aim.
Buglife offer a benefits package including, Enhanced Pension, Flexible Working, 23 days annual leave (rising to 28 after 3 years service) in addition to winter close between Christmas and New Year.
How to apply
A full job description is available to view or download here.
To apply please email your CV and a covering letter explaining why you are the best person to support our work via the form below.
Closing date for applications: Wednesday 10 April. Online interviews will be held on Wednesday 17 and Thursday 18 April.
Job Application
Main Image Credit: Long-horned Mining Bee (Eucera longicornis) © John Walters
