Native Invertebrate Project Officer (Devon)

Contract: Full time, fixed term ending 30th June 2029
Location: Wildwood Devon, Escot Park, Ottery St Mary, EX11 1LU
Reports to: Conservation Research Coordinator
Responsible for: Bug Hub Volunteers
Grade: 5

Project Overview

Wildwood Trust is launching the Native Invertebrate Recovery Centre (NIRC), pioneering the recovery of Britain’s rarest and most threatened invertebrate species.

Due to be launched later in 2026 at Wildwood Trust’s wildlife parks near Canterbury and Exeter, the Native Invertebrate Recovery Centre will be England's first dedicated facility. The Centre will play a critical role in restoring species populations through breeding and research into the fascinating and intricate lives of invertebrates.

This exciting programme is a partnership between Chester Zoo and Restore. The project has been made possible through Natural England’s Species Recovery grant support.

This post offers a significant opportunity to build upon existing skills and develop a career within a growing field as a professional in conservation researching and breeding native invertebrates.

Job Purpose

This role conducts unique research into the intricate lives of rare invertebrates. You will oversee captive breeding programmes to facilitate and conduct autecology research, enabling and informing conservation translocations.

Key Responsibilities

• Best practice animal husbandry for an array of invertebrate species, with a particular focus on Coleoptera species.
• Comprehensive maintenance and troubleshooting of all equipment and facilities.
• Undertake species based research into life cycles and development.
• Undertake literature reviews for species autecology and breeding.
• Complete detailed reporting and dissemination of species husbandry and autecology research.
• Provide specialist guidance and assistance to support ex-situ and in-situ invertebrate conservation partnership projects.
• Responsibility for the successful and safe operation of the NIRC and staff/volunteers involved. This includes maintaining a risk management plan, risk assessments, equipment testing and provision of PPE.
• Training and mentoring a team of volunteers.

The Working Week

Your working week will be varied and busy. Priorities will include running the breeding facilities, all aspects of species husbandry, undertaking observation and careful research, detailed reporting of findings, and supporting the collation of autecological reports and funding evidence submitted to Natural England. Collaborative working is vital, liaising with partners, stakeholders, and the general public. The role will also include in-situ field work, including the survey and collection of specimens for captive rearing, and liaison with site owners and specialist entomologists.

You will also have the opportunity to support colleagues with the wider project and departmental responsibilities.

Core working hours are typically 09:00 until 17:00 with an unpaid half an hour for lunch. This post is 37.5 hours per week over 5 days. The job may involve overtime, including some evening, weekend and bank holiday working as part of your normal duties. You may be required to occasionally travel between parks.

This job involves undertaking duties which include the following health, safety and wellbeing considerations:

• Regular use of Display Screen Equipment (DSE)
• Use of hand-held machinery / tools
• Lone working
• Working to mission critical deadlines and to budget
• Use of company vehicle (full driving licence is essential)

Mandatory training for this role includes:

• Manual Handling
• Equality & Diversity
• Safeguarding Awareness
• GDPR / Data Protection Awareness
• Fire Safety Awareness
• Ladder Safety
• First Aid
• Press & Media Training
• Animal Escape

Skills, Knowledge, Qualifications & Experience

All Wildwood staff are passionate, committed, and resourceful. To succeed in this specific role, you will be a practical team-player with a positive attitude and a passion for the restoration of British wildlife. This post will suit someone with a minimum of three years’ experience of invertebrate ecology and breeding in the zoological sector or other ectothermic species experience. Individuals with experience with invertebrate research disciplines may also suit this role.

Why work for Wildwood Trust

Wildwood Trust is a native species conservation charity established in 2002 to push the boundaries of innovative conservation and rewilding. We work with nature to fight the biodiversity crisis, to halt the extinction of species and to create resilient habitats in which nature thrives. We focus on nature-based solutions to return native species and recreating truly wild spaces.

Wildwood has a proud culture of respecting and valuing all colleagues. Our people are integral to our success; their expertise enables us to achieve our ambitions, their professionalism creates strong collaborations, and their integrity upholds our organisational values.

Employment Package

• Annual salary of £27,000
• Annual leave allowance of 30 days a year, including statutory holidays
• Workplace pension
• Inclusive and family-friendly working policies
• Training & development opportunities
• Selection of staff benefits including discounts
• Free or reduced price entry to BIAZA accredited zoos and aquariums