Conservation Assistant: e-DNA and Species

Eden Rivers Trust

Penrith, Cumbria
£23,890 pa pro rata
Full Time • Fixed Term
Closing on Thu, 28th Aug 2025

Conservation & WildlifeEcologyRivers, Water & Hydrology


8-month fixed-term contract; full-time 37.5 hours per week

Looking for an exciting opportunity to begin your career in wildlife conservation?

Passionate about protecting native species?

Interested in expanding your skills and knowledge of wildlife surveys, invasive species management, GIS mapping and data collection, and

Eager to spread awareness of species conservation?

If so, our Conservation Assistant: e-DNA and Species role could be for you!

About the role

We are looking for an outgoing Conservation Assistant with previous academic/ practical experience within the conservation sector to help conduct e-DNA surveys for Water vole, White-clawed crayfish and American mink across the North Pennines National Landscape area. You will also map the results and build relationships with landowners.

This is an eight-month fixed-term contract starting in the early Autumn.

About you

This position provides a fantastic opportunity to start your career within the environmental sector.

You will gain both practical and theoretical experience of priority species conservation, landowner engagement, invasive species management and e-DNA survey techniques.

The role requires regular travel to sites around the catchment so you will need to have a current, full UK driving licence.

About us

Eden Rivers Trust is the conservation charity standing up for Eden’s rivers; changing perceptions of rivers, enhancing and protecting the river environment so that people and nature in Cumbria can thrive.

Our vision is Clean and healthy rivers, providing a brighter future for all, and we have been working with partners and volunteers since 1996, developing and carrying out innovative environmental projects that restore rivers, improve habitats, manage floods naturally, and promote water-friendly farming. These conservation activities are integrated with creative programmes for schools and community groups that promote awareness, access, and learning.

As a Trust we are Rethinking Rivers. For Good.

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About Eden Rivers Trust

Set up in 1996, Eden Rivers Trust is an environmental charity dedicated to improving and protecting the River Eden, its tributaries and lakes in the Eden Valley, Cumbria making it a better place for people and wildlife. We work with a wide range of partners including government agencies and other organisations, individuals and local community groups with the aim of delivering a sustainable and integrated approach to managing Eden’s rivers and the surrounding land.

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