Senior Conservation Officer

About the Role 

Are you a passionate advocate for nature with proven experience in managing conservation projects? Do you have the skills to lead initiatives that make a real difference to invertebrate conservation? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you to join Buglife as a Senior Conservation Officer. 

As Senior Conservation Officer, you will coordinate and deliver conservation programmes and initiatives that protect invertebrates and their habitats. You'll lead specific work areas identified in our business plan, coordinating activities at a country level and managing staff. This pivotal role includes project and budgetary planning, building partnerships, communications, advocacy, project development and fundraising. 

Working alongside the Country Manager, you'll collaborate with experts, land managers, consultants and contractors to deliver successful conservation outcomes. You'll attend Steering Group meetings and deputise for the Country Manager when required, playing a crucial role in advancing our mission. 

What We're Looking For 

We welcome applications from candidates who can demonstrate: 

• A proven track record of managing and delivering successful nature conservation projects 
• Experience of working in partnerships and building relationships 
• Strong advocacy skills with the ability to influence others 
• Understanding of species and habitat conservation, including practical habitat management 
• Experience of reporting to funders 
• Strong oral and written communication skills 
• Experience of managing staff and/or volunteers 
• Excellent organisational and self-motivation skills 
• Strong financial management and IT skills 
• Experience in developing projects and fundraising 
• Ideally someone with knowledge of pollinators and species-rich grassland or wildflower meadows, who can support the development of our B-Lines work in Scotland 
• A keen interest in and commitment to nature conservation 
• Current full driving licence 

Key Responsibilities 

You will: 

• Manage conservation projects from development through to delivery 
• Supervise staff, volunteers and contractors 
• Contribute to planning and policy development for sustainable environmental management 
• Advise clients, colleagues, community groups, landowners and developers 
• Develop new projects and prepare fundraising applications 
• Deliver public outreach including talks, bug walks, workshops and training courses 
• Build and maintain external relationships to secure project success 
• Manage budgets and maintain effective financial records 
• Promote invertebrate conservation through media and public speaking 

About Us 

Buglife is dedicated to halting the extinction of invertebrate species and achieving sustainable populations of these vital creatures. 

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 offers a comprehensive benefits package including an Enhanced Pension, Flexible Working arrangements, and 23 days of annual leave (rising to 28 after 3 years of service), in addition to a business closure between Christmas and New Year. 

A full job description is available to view or download on our website.

Join Buglife and be part of a passionate team dedicated to saving the small things that run the planet! 

Buglife values diversity and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. If you require any adjustments to support you through the application process, please let us know. 

Closing date for applications: Monday 2nd June 2025 at 9am
Interview dates: Monday 9th June 2025 

Additional Information 

• Some flexibility may be required for occasional meetings or events outside normal working hours 
• The role may occasionally involve longer-distance travel or overnight stays 
• You will be responsible for ensuring compliance with health and safety legislation and Buglife policies