Overview

We are looking for a Conservation and Research Officer to help us ensure the conservation and research objectives of the charity are being met. As part of this role, you will be responsible for gathering reliable data to enable sound evidence-based decision making. Maximising our conservation goals to protect species and their habitats both at home and abroad and identifying and coordinating research opportunities. You will work with our team to ensure we manage our own resources well, minimizing our environmental impact in a sustainable manner. You will also need to be a keen networker, with the ability to identify and approach appropriate partners as needed. If offered the position you will be spearheading new conservation initiatives around the Isle of Wight. You’ll also be helping to organise conservation events and working with local organisations. A full driving license therefore will be desirable. In return we can offer you an exceptionally varied, unique and fast paced role within a great team. Free parking for you and free sanctuary admission for your household, along with various Island business discounts.

Duties

• Promote and develop positive relationships with conservation partner organisations.
• Spearhead conservation initiatives around the Isle of Wight, working with local organisations and other charitable groups.
• Help to design and implement a biodiversity action plan for the sanctuary and surrounding land to support native species.
• Contribute to planning and policy development for green initiatives on site.
• Provide reports and updates surrounding the trusts conservation initiatives and affiliated projects at home and abroad.
• Assist directly with field conservation as required by the trust.
• Help to organise conservation events, linking with national and global awareness days.
• Identify and prepare grant applications.
• Help to develop interpretation around the trust’s conservation goals, ensuring displays are launched in a timely manner.
• Lead the sanctuaries green team committee.
• Ensure visitors both online and in person are engaged with the Trusts conservation activities, empowering people to make changes to benefit the natural world.

Qualifications

• Bachelor degree or higher in Biological/Zoological Science
• Proven experience in a similar role previously.
• The successful candidate must be well organised and be able to manage multiple projects at once.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Good ability to compile and present reports
• Competent in the use of IT including Microsoft Office 365
• Proven practical research skills
• Sound understanding of research methodologies
• Strong communication and people skills including a positive, friendly and approachable attitude at all times towards visitors to the sanctuary
• Actively participates as a member of a team to move the team toward the
  completion of goals. Contributes actively and fully to team projects by
  working with colleagues collaboratively, working towards consensual
  solutions that enhance the output of the team. Accepts share of workload.