Species Recovery Officer

Join us in helping to restore the fortunes of one of the UK’s most iconic species. We’re seeking two Project Officers to become part of our Landscape Recovery Team, leading the delivery of an ambitious water vole recovery initiative across Derbyshire. This is a unique opportunity to make a tangible difference to the future of a critically endangered species through practical conservation, partnership working and landscape-scale recovery efforts.

In this role you will be part of a team delivering a countywide mink trapping programme and a targeted habitat improvement programme, taking a nature-led approach to enhance ecosystem services. You will work with stakeholders and funders to deliver and expand the project, making it sustainable for the future.

To be successful you will be an organised, approachable person who can work to tight deadlines, speak to people and communicate the project vision to ensure maximum impact of the project.

• Help to rapidly develop a strategic mink trapping plan for the whole catchment
• Develop a network of landowners and stakeholders who will be part of the project
• Develop a volunteer team to trap and humanely dispatch mink, monitor water vole numbers and deliver practical work
• Assist to create a habitat restoration plan for strategic locations in the catchment and apply for relevant permissions
• Deliver training for volunteers
• Supervise contractors to deliver restoration works
• Deliver on-the-ground practical work where needed

This role might be right for you if:

• You do not need a degree for this role, but have a basic level of understanding of species and ecology with a little industry experience
• You may be looking for your first role in conservation from a related countryside occupation
• You will work well with others across teams and be willing to adapt to varied situations
• You will have worked with volunteers and other stakeholders to deliver projects
• You will have excellent attention to detail and be able to work to very tight deadlines
• You will have a passion for wildlife and be able to communicate this to a wide and varied audience
• You must be willing to deliver or organise others to trap and remove invasive American Mink, a species directly responsible for the loss of Water Voles and all riparian species across the UK

We are happy to talk flexible working. This role will be based at our office in Middleton while also involving a large amount of field work. A balance of home and office working will also be allowed.

For more information or questions, email  or call

Derbyshire Wildlife Trust is an equal opportunities employer that strives to be a diverse and inclusive environment in which everyone is valued. We welcome applications from eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity.