Species Recovery Officer, South East and East of England

Hours: 30 hours per week
Contract Type: Fixed term (until March 2029)
Salary: £27,084.36 per annum pro rata
Location: South East England, Home-based (able to travel regularly to field projects, meetings and events as required)

About the role

We are looking for a Species Recovery Officer to help to conserve some of England’s most threatened invertebrates, delivering a portfolio of species recovery projects across the South and South East of England. This will include species such as Heath Grasshopper Chorthippus vagans, New Forest Shieldbug Eysarcoris aeneus, Wormwood Moonshiner Amara fusca and the beetle Diastictus vulneratus, together with working in partnership with Plantlife on Field Wormwood (Artemisia campestris).

You will conserve invertebrates and their habitats by inspiring, influencing and supporting others, and by managing and enhancing the environment. Individual work plans are set according to project delivery, organisational strategy, funding available, skills of the officer and opportunities that arise.

This role may include: project management; partnership working; overseeing practical habitat management works; coordinating permissions and specialist contractors; working with local communities; managing volunteers; public relations; financial management and teamwork. The breadth of work may involve a range of habitats and species. You will be expected to have your own area of interest and specialism, but demonstrate a broad knowledge of invertebrate ecology and a willingness to expand your knowledge and work in new areas.

What you’ll do

• Project management, including project development, delivery and relationship management
• Budget management and reporting to funders
• Organise and oversee surveys and habitat management works
• Provide habitat management advice and reports, in partnership with invertebrate and habitat specialists
• Supervise volunteers and contractors and contribute to their recruitment as appropriate
• Advocate for improved management of invertebrate habitats
• Advise clients, colleagues, community groups, landowners, planners and developers
• Maintain and develop own knowledge and skills
• Maintain effective financial records and adhere to full cost recovery principles
• Prepare fundraising applications, with support from others, for a range of opportunities aligned to the organisational strategy and internal cost recovery guidelines
• Educate others through public outreach, talks, seminars, training and development, bug walks, workshops, development of educational materials, relationship building and use of social media
• Influence decision makers, including policy makers, local communities, conservation organisations, developers, land managers and site managers. Respond to public enquiries professionally and in accordance with Buglife procedure
• Promote and educate around the study of poorly recorded, declining or endangered groups of invertebrates
• Act as a strong team member internally and externally to deliver against the Buglife strategy
• Prepare media releases, produce promotional material, publicise events and give media interviews when requested
• Build and maintain external relationships which secure future and current project success and the future growth of Buglife

About you

We’re looking for someone with:

• Knowledge of a range of invertebrate groups
• Demonstrable dedication to protecting the environment and conserving wildlife
• Good level of ecological knowledge and understanding of conservation issues
• Understanding of invertebrate and site legislation and survey practice
• Project management, financial knowledge and experience
• Team player with a confident and persuasive manner
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including collating information, report-writing and producing information resources
• Fundraising capability including for projects outside 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

About Buglife

Buglife is the only organisation in the UK dedicated to the conservation of all invertebrates. Invertebrates are essential to healthy ecosystems, yet many are in serious decline. We work to halt these losses and inspire people to take action for the small but mighty species that keep our world alive.

Why Work With Us?

• Flexible working arrangements
• A friendly, supportive, and values-driven team
• The chance to make a meaningful difference for nature
• Opportunities to develop your skills and experience

Some evening or weekend work and occasional travel may be required.

Closing date for applications: Monday 13 July 2026. Online interviews will be held Wednesday 22 July.

Join Buglife today and make a meaningful impact in the preservation of invertebrates and the conservation of our precious wildlife.