Conservation Manager: species and habitats

Salary: £32,000 – £35,000 pa (full-time), plus contributory pension

Contract: Full-time. Initially offered for 3 years.

Location: Penrith, Cumbria

From being virtually extinct in Cumbria, over the last three years we’ve spearheaded a project to ‘bring back ratty’ to Cumbria. Thanks to the combined efforts of staff, partners and volunteers, native water voles (Arvicola amphibius) are now starting to make their home by Eden’s rivers.

Our ambition doesn’t stop here. We now have an exciting opportunity available for an experienced project manager to lead the expansion of this well-established programme; supported by a willing network of existing volunteers to make significant gains for water voles in Cumbria and across the North of England.

The role in a nutshell

You will:

• Lead our work to improve and increase high-quality riparian habitat in the Eden catchment in Cumbria, particularly focusing on wetland habitat;
• Manage the delivery of our expanding programme to the control of North American Mink (Neovison vison);
• Lead the reintroduction (and expansion from remnant populations) of native water voles and monitoring activity; and
• Manage the surveying and monitoring of another of Eden’s endangered species, the White-clawed crayfish.

This role is ideal for you if you:

• Have successfully managed habitat improvement projects from inception to completion: planning, budgeting, execution, reporting and monitoring.
• Want to take the next step in your conservation career, focusing on species reintroduction and riparian habitat enhancement;
• Are not fazed by the practical aspects of invasive mink control, such as carrying out humane dispatch when required;
• Are physically fit and enjoy working outdoors, usually in remote areas in all weathers;
• Are used to working with a wide range of stakeholders and have the tact, diplomacy and relationship-building skills essential to ensure a successful outcome for wildlife.

About us

Enhancing and protecting the river environment at a landscape scale so that people and nature in Cumbria can thrive is at the heart of our work.

By rethinking rivers for good, we are changing conversations, finding ways to work smarter and inspiring and empowering others breathe new life into our rivers. We believe in partnership, creativity and flexibility, and we are rooted in the Eden – working at ground level with local communities, land managers and businesses.

Based in Penrith, you will work in the scenic rolling countryside of the Eden Valley and where it meets the fells of the north-eastern Lake District, the Yorkshire Dales and the North Pennines.

How to apply

For an informal discussion about the role please call John Rattray, Head of Operations on 01768 866788.

Read the Conservation Manager: species and habitats job description and Application form guidance notes.

Download the Application Form and Diversity Monitoring Form.

Please submit the completed Application form and Diversity Monitoring form by email to office@edenrt.org

Deadline for applications: Monday 11 November 2024 at 12 noon.

Interview process

Shortlisted candidates will undertake an informal 1-to-1 interview with the Head of  Operations during the week of  11 November.

Successful candidates will then be invited to a second interview in the week beginning 18 November.