Peatland Project Officer
Butterfly Conservation
About the Role
This is a unique and rewarding opportunity to help reverse the decline of some of the UK’s rarest butterflies and moths by restoring and protecting their peatland habitats.
As Peatland Project Officer, you’ll be at the heart of Butterfly Conservation’s mission in the region. You’ll coordinate and deliver both butterfly and habitat surveys, lead volunteers, advise landowners, and shape on-the-ground habitat management - with a strong focus on peatland sites.
Your work will directly support the recovery of species like the the Large Heath, the Green Hairstreak, Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary, Wood Tiger, and Dark Bordered Beauty moth and more.
You’ll also develop a role liaising with vital peatland restoration projects and play a central role in a citizen science projects and outreach events, connecting communities with the wonder of Lepidoptera through a variety of projects including public talks, media, and even a “Big, Hairy Caterpillars” campaign!
Key Responsibilities
- Coordinate and carry out species surveys and habitat assessments across restored and natural peatland sites
- Monitor and assess suitability of habitats for key butterfly and moth species, with a focus on the Large Heath
- Provide tailored management advice to landowners and stakeholders
- Collaborate closely with conservation partners across the region
- Use GIS to map key habitats and produce visual data for project planning
- Recruit, train, and support volunteers to contribute to vital monitoring and conservation work
- Deliver engaging presentations and outreach to raise awareness and support for conservation
- Contribute to reporting, evaluation, and planning alongside the wider Butterfly Conservation team
What We’re Looking For
- A degree in ecology, environmental science, forestry or related field - or equivalent hands-on experience
- A passionate, knowledgeable field naturalist with strong understanding of butterfly and moth ecology
- Experience with species monitoring and habitat survey techniques
- Able to use a range of digital tools including GIS (QGIS), data management software, and virtual platforms (Zoom, Teams)
- Strong communicator, confident working with volunteers, landowners, and partner organizations
- A full UK driving license, access to a vehicle and willingness to travel across northern England.
About Butterfly Conservation
Butterfly Conservation is a vibrant, inspiring place to work and we're passionate about connecting people to nature. We're looking to recruit passionate ‘can-do’ people who can help us to create a world where butterflies and moths thrive and can be enjoyed by everyone, forever.
- Butterfly Conservation is a charity dedicated to saving butterflies, moths, and our natural environment. We are a leading authority on the conservation of these beautiful creatures – key indicators of a healthy ecosystem – and we have achieved numerous successes for them locally and nationally.
- Our people are at the heart of what we do. Our work is only possible thanks to the commitment and dedication of our supporters, volunteers, and staff.
- We employ world-class conservation scientists, making us the world’s largest research institute for butterflies and moths. Our data is used by government and policymakers to make a long-term difference for the environment.
- We are actively involved in hands-on conservation throughout the UK, at every level from individual households to landscape-scale habitats, working tirelessly to make a difference for butterflies, moths, and our environment – and to benefit all wildlife and the ecosystems upon which life depends.
- We run projects to protect threatened species, and we are involved in conserving hundreds of other sites across the UK.
Butterfly Conservation is a vibrant, inspiring place to work and we're passionate about connecting people to nature. We're looking to recruit passionate ‘can-do’ people who can help us to create a world where butterflies and moths thrive and can be enjoyed by everyone, forever. Butterfly Conservation is a charity dedicated to saving butterflies, moths, and our natural environment. We are a leading authority on the conservation of these beautiful creatures – key indicators of a healthy ecosystem – and we have achieved numerous successes for them locally and nationally. Our people are at the heart of what we do. Our work is only possible thanks to the commitment and dedication of our supporters, volunteers, and staff. We employ world-class conservation scientists, making us the world’s largest research institute for butterflies and moths. Our data is used by government and policymakers to make a long-term difference for the environment. We are actively involved in hands-on conservation throughout the UK, at every level from individual households to landscape-scale habitats, working tirelessly to make a difference for butterflies, moths, and our environment – and to benefit all wildlife and the ecosystems upon which life depends. We run projects to protect threatened species, and we are involved in conserving hundreds of other sites across the UK.
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