Conservation Officer - Guardians of our Rivers: Next Steps

About the Role

Are you passionate about the small things that run the planet? We have an exciting opportunity to help Scotland’s freshwater invertebrates to survive and thrive.

Buglife is recruiting a Conservation Officer to help to deliver our Guardians of our Rivers: Next Steps project focusing on engaging communities and collecting data on river health across Scotland. This project has been hugely successful, and the next steps will provide a sustainable framework for community groups going forwards.

You will work with others to undertake the essential research and development required to build a robust support and training network of Citizen Scientists and trainers across Scotland monitoring their rivers. Working on supporting and developing a whole community approach with engaging others in this project. You will conserve invertebrates and their habitats by inspiring, influencing and supporting others, and by advising on how to protect this environment.

This role will include: Partnership working, overseeing volunteer group recruitment, development and training and working on solutions to group support and growth. Sourcing and purchasing kit and training materials, delivering presentations to groups, stakeholders and project partners, coordinating permissions, working with local communities, managing volunteers, public relations, financial management and teamwork. The role includes outdoor fieldwork activities, such as working on uneven terrain, in or near moving water, and carrying field equipment.

About You

We are looking for someone who has their own area of interest and specialism but can also demonstrate a broad knowledge of invertebrate ecology and a willingness to expand their knowledge and work in new areas.

Do you have?

• Knowledge of a range of aquatic invertebrate groups
• Demonstrable dedication to protecting the environment and conserving wildlife
• Good knowledge of freshwater ecological and understanding of conservation issues
• Understanding of invertebrate and site legislation and survey practice
• Project management, financial knowledge and experience
• Excellent team-working skills, with a confident and persuasive manner
• Excellent written communication skills, including collating information, report-writing and producing information resources
• Excellent oral communication skills including, delivering presentations and training material
• Fundraising capability including for projects outside your own area of expertise
• Experience of raising public awareness of wildlife and environmental issues
• Experience of organising events and involving the public in projects
• Some botanical knowledge
• Full current driving licence and access to a vehicle
• Experience delivering training to volunteers would be preferable

About Buglife

Buglife is the only organisation in Europe solely dedicated to the conservation of all invertebrates. From bees and beetles to spiders and snails, we work to halt invertebrate extinctions and secure thriving, sustainable populations of these essential creatures, which play critical roles in pollination, soil health, and entire ecosystems. Our mission is to halt the extinction of invertebrate species and secure sustainable populations of these essential creatures. We work across the UK and internationally through practical conservation, public engagement, scientific research, and policy advocacy.

Our projects restore habitats, reconnect landscapes, and raise awareness about the crucial role these small but mighty creatures play in keeping ecosystems healthy. Whether influencing national policy or planting wildflowers in local communities, we’re committed to saving the small things that run the planet.

What We Offer

• A supportive and flexible working environment.
• 23 days annual leave, pro rata (rising to 28 after 3 years service), plus office closure over between Christmas and New Year.
• Enhanced pension contributions.
• Opportunities for training, development, and career progression.
• The chance to make a tangible difference to the conservation of threatened invertebrate species.
• We welcome discussions about flexible working patterns within the 28-hour week

Buglife is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We particularly welcome applications from underrepresented groups in the environmental sector, including people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, disabled people, and LGBTQ+ communities.

If you require any adjustments to the application or interview process, please contact us at [email protected].

Application deadline: 10 November 2025
Interviews: week commencing 24 November 2025 (held via Microsoft Teams)

Due to the volume of applications, we receive, we may close our vacancies early. It is therefore advisable to apply as early as possible if you would like to be considered for this role.

If you have not heard from us within two weeks of the closing date, please assume your application has not been successful on this occasion.