Species Recovery Manager

About us and what we do

Nestled on the stunning shores of Windermere in the heart of the Lake District, the Freshwater Biological Association is more than just a research organisation—it’s a mission‑driven community dedicated to protecting and restoring the life of our rivers and lakes. Working here means being part of a team that combines science with a deep respect for nature, driving real‑world impact for freshwater ecosystems.

At the heart of our work is our Species Recovery Centre, a unique facility where we carry out our vital science and conservation work. This centre is home to our pioneering efforts in freshwater pearl mussel conservation, a species on the brink of extinction. Through our exemplary captive breeding, research and conservation translocation programmes, we are giving these remarkable mussels a second chance, restoring populations on the brink of extinction and working with partners to safeguard the biodiversity of our rivers.

Our commitment doesn’t stop there. We lead an ambitious Arctic charr research and conservation programme, focusing on one of the UK’s most iconic and vulnerable fish species. By studying their ecology, genetics, and responses to multiple stressors, we aim to secure their future in our lakes. This work is not only scientifically exciting but vital for maintaining the health and heritage of freshwater ecosystems.

Looking ahead, we are determined to expand and innovate. Our vision is to grow the Species Recovery Centre into a hub of excellence for freshwater conservation, developing new techniques, forging partnerships, and training the next generation of scientists. We want to scale up our mussel and charr recovery work and explore restoration activities for other threatened species.

Working at the FBA means joining a passionate team where your expertise contributes directly to reversing biodiversity loss and shaping a sustainable future. The work we do makes a real difference, where the science we undertake is not just for the sake of it, but applied to heal the natural world.

The role will primarily involve managing the pearl mussel team and the range of projects related to freshwater pearl mussel conservation breeding and translocation at the FBA Species Recovery Centre (4 days/week). You will also have the opportunity (1 day/week) to support the expansion of our species recovery ambitions within the organisation, shaping projects and site infrastructure around your own interests where they align with the ambitions of the FBA and freshwater species recovery.

The Species Recovery Manager will make up part of the Senior Leadership Team of the FBA and be specifically tasked with:

• Supported by the Head of Science, you will have overall responsibility for managing our well‑established freshwater pearl mussel conservation breeding and translocation activities, including those of the EU LIFE‑funded R4ever Kent project (LIFE
  20 NAT/UK/001013), tasked with releasing 4000 juveniles into the wild by 2029. Line management of team members (currently x2) and volunteers.
• Continuing the excellent relationships with partners/funders and fostering new partnerships/collaborations, including timely reporting on project progress and budgetary responsibility.
• Leading on and supporting bid‑writing activities to ensure the project remains on a sustainable funding footing.
• Overall responsibility for day‑to‑day Health & Safety and welfare of those working at/visiting our Species Recovery Centre, supported by the wider Senior Leadership Team.
• Manage environmental and monitoring data acquisition and analysis to support the needs of the project.
• Support the Head of Science in prioritising and securing additional nature/species recovery projects and with large‑scale development of facilities at the Species Recovery Centre to create a fit‑for‑purpose centre for excellence for conservation of freshwater species.

We’re looking for a dynamic and passionate leader to take on a truly rewarding role at the Species Recovery Centre. This is your opportunity to combine exceptional organisational skills with a love for species conservation in a varied…