Sussex Wildlife Trust

Sussex Wildlife Trust is a conservation charity for everyone who cares about nature in Sussex. Our focus is on protecting the incredible natural life that is found across our County and its Coast. By working alongside local people we create opportunities for us all to connect with nature and for nature to thrive in even the most unlikely places. Together we can make sure that future generations living in Sussex will be able to enjoy the sense of wonder and well-being that nature offers.

Our Vision is for a Sussex rich in wildlife, valued and protected by everyone. Our Strategic Goals are :- 

• Diverse groups and individuals taking action for wildlife and wild places across Sussex 
• To restore abundant wildlife across large scale landscapes and the sea
• To create climate resilient landscapes and thriving wildlife communities

We are an independent charity and one of the largest of the 47 Wildlife Trusts with over 39,000 members. We manage over 30 nature reserves across Sussex comprising over 5,000 acres of land, the majority of which are open for people to enjoy and visit. We also lead flagship, landscape scale initiatives such as Wilder Ouse, Wilder Horsham District and the Sussex Kelp Recovery Project. 

The Role

We are very excited to be recruiting a lead for our Species Recovery work in Sussex. This is a rare and timely opportunity to join the Nature Recovery Team, to refocus the work that Sussex Wildlife Trust delivers on Species, and to enable important work on Ecosystem Engineers and Keystone species.

Our new Species Recovery officer will initially split their time between leading the Sussex Beaver Partnership with the restoration of Beavers at a catchment scale, and supporting the South East Pine Marten project to deliver a 10 year strategy for Pine Marten Recovery. In addition, you will be writing a species recovery strategy for us, to help us inform and drive forward our work on Keystone species.

You will provide guidance and support on the plethora of species recovery opportunities which are presenting themselves, and whether / how SWT engages with these. This will include engaging with communities and landowners to move forward Beaver and Pine Marten work in key landscapes.

The Person

It will take a dynamic person to make this role shine. We are looking for someone engaging, forward thinking, innovative, adaptable and creative. You will need to bring others along with you on the journey of Keystone species recovery at a Landscape Scale, including staff at Sussex Wildlife Trust.

Ideally you will have some background experience of Beaver and/or Pine Marten recovery and ecology, and a working knowledge of rewilding, naturalistic grazing and the restoration of natural processes.

We are looking for a team player who will be part of the Nature Recovery team, who will work closely with our Nature Reserves team, and who is able to work independently as well.

Benefits

• 25 days holiday plus 8 bank holidays each year (pro-rated for part time staff)
• Pension – company contribution from 6% and employee contribution of 3% 
• Life Assurance - Pension Scheme Members 2 x Salary, Non-Pension Scheme Members 1 x Salary
• 2 days paid leave for volunteering each year
• Flexible working policy
• Enhanced Sick Pay
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Employee discounts

For more detailed information see the what we offer page in the Recruitment Pack on our website.