Overview

Job Purpose: To produce conservation assessments for tree species and support the activities of the Global Tree Assessment

Contract Type: Full-time

Duration: Fixed term until Dec 2023

Location: BGCI Offices, Kew, London

Remuneration: £20-£25,000 per annum, depending on experience

Position Summary

Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI) is seeking to appoint a Conservation Assistant Officer to support the delivery of the Global Tree Assessment, which aims to assess the conservation status of the world’s tree species. Candidates for this post will be self-motivated, demonstrate an interest in plant conservation, and have a record of report writing.

About BGCI

There are an estimated 2,500 botanic gardens and arboreta in the world attracting 750 million visitors each year. Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI) is at the centre of this network. Our members include the largest, most renowned gardens on the planet – Kew, New York, Missouri, Singapore, Sydney and Shanghai –and they also include many smaller gardens situated in the world’s plant diversity hotspots. All of these member gardens share a commitment to making sure that no plant species becomes extinct, and they have a combined workforce of many thousands of horticulturalists and scientists working towards that end.

BGCI provides support to its members in many different ways: we are an advocate for the botanic garden community, promoting the role of botanic gardens in plant conservation policy, practice, and education; we connect people, co-ordinating efforts and bringing people together to exchange ideas; we are a knowledge hub, providing training, learning resources, and professional support; and we provide funding and technical support to efforts aimed at saving plants.

Central to BGCI’s role in advocating for the botanic garden community is our efforts to communicate about the important conservation work being carried out by BGCI, our members, and our partners. We recently launched a landmark report, ‘State of the World’s Trees’, documenting the conservation status of the world’s 60,000 tree species. This report indicated that 30% of the world’s tree species are at risk of extinction.

Detailed Position Description

BGCI is recruiting a Conservation Assistant Officer to contribute to the Global Tree Assessment, both through undertaking IUCN Red List assessments in-house and supporting partners around the world in completing assessments.

We are looking for a Conservation Assistant Officer who will:

  1. Work with BGCI and Global Tree Assessment partners to aid in submission of tree IUCN Red List assessments. This will include:
    • Working with Global Tree Assessment partners in producing conservation assessments and distribution maps
    • Supporting partners in their use of SIS and BGCI databases
    • Assisting with organisation of red list workshops and attending workshops and /or conferences as necessary
  1. Contribute to Global Tree Assessments. This will include:
    • Assembling relevant information for IUCN Red List assessments for selected tree species
    • Working with members of the IUCN SSC Global Tree Specialist Group and members of the BGCI network and other partners for data gathering and assessment review
    • Entering data of plant Red List assessments in appropriate electronic formats for inclusion on the IUCN Red List
    • Mapping the distribution of tree species as a basis for IUCN Red List assessments
  1. Extend and assist in the enhancement of ThreatSearch database (and other BGCI databases). This will include:
    • Compiling threat assessments for trees and plants from published literature for ThreatSearch
    • Collate and share GlobalTreeSearch updates to distributions and taxonomy through red list activities
  1. Other tasks. This will include:
    • Supporting content creation for BGCI and Global Tree Assessment websites and social media
    • Contributing to technical and other reports, fundraising and publications
  • Show flexibility and undertake tasks related to the Global Tree Assessment that needs immediate attention

Person Specification

BGCI is seeking to appoint a self-motivated person with a knowledge of the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria and an interest in plant conservation. Candidates for this post will have a proven record of report writing and attention to detail. The post holder will demonstrate sensitivity to complex, multicultural, and multinational institutions and structures.

Education and Experience and Skills

Essential

  • A BSc or equivalent qualification in conservation, environment, science or another relevant discipline
  • Experience of using the IUCN Red List categories and criteria
  • Experience of investigatory research and report writing
  • An interest in plant sciences and plant conservation

Desirable

  • Taxonomic and nomenclature knowledge
  • Proven record in delivering projects on time
  • Experience in interacting with international organisations and individuals

Skills and competencies

Essential

  • Self-motivated and able to work independently
  • Strong editing and writing skills in English
  • High attention to detail

Desirable

  • High proficiency in the use of MS Access and Excel
  • Proven skills using GIS software
  • Command of Spanish, Portuguese or French (able to read and write)

Application Process

Interested applicants should submit a CV and a cover letter of two pages maximum, explaining the candidate’s motivation and providing concrete evidence of why they are suitable for the position.

Please send your CV and cover letter to info@bgci.org

Closing date for applications: 1st July 2022

BGCI is committed to putting equality, diversity and inclusion at the heart of our organisation. We are committed to ensuring a working environment in which all individuals are free from discrimination and in which opportunities are equal to all. We encourage applications from all sections of the community, particularly those underrepresented within our sector.