The postholder will deliver smaller-scale, experimental active saltmarsh restoration approaches, collaborate with landowners to develop new projects, and be a champion and advocate for saltmarshes.
Funded through the prestigious, seascape-scale Transforming the Thames coastal restoration partnership project, the Saltmarsh Recovery Research Manager will lead the development and drive the delivery of the Trust’s extensive saltmarsh recovery program on Essex’s internationally important coast. In implementing a key part of this major evidence-based project, this new role will make a significant contribution to both the on-the-ground conservation impact and a long-term legacy of scientific evidence for Transforming the Thames and future projects.
Person Specification
- Demonstrable experience of designing, planning and delivering coastal habitat restoration projects and fieldwork.
- Practical experience of working on saltmarsh habitats.
- Expert knowledge and understanding of saltmarsh habitats and estuaries.
- Knowledge and understanding of Essex’s marine priority habitats and associated species and key marine issues
- Demonstrable experience of securing licenses, consents and permissions for restoration activities, as well as experience undertaking relevant habitat impact assessments.
- Demonstrable experience delivering and demonstrating impact of a scientific conservation monitoring program.
- Demonstrable experience managing practical fieldwork days in the intertidal.
- Demonstrable experience of undertaking risk assessments and managing risk when working on the coast.
- Demonstrable data management and statistical analysis skills using software, such as ArcGIS and R, as well as confidence using Word, Excel and Powerpoint.
- Experience of writing scientific reports and/or project review or funder reports.
- Experience of managing and reporting on project budgets and finances.
- A good track record of identifying and securing funding for conservation projects.
- A confident networker with proven experience of positively working in partnerships and with stakeholders, and with specific demonstrable experience of collaborating with landowners.
- Experience of line management of staff or volunteers and very good interpersonal and communication skills, with demonstrable ability to work as part of a close, multidisciplinary team.
- A confident problem solver with a capacity for innovation and a willingness to take on responsibility, use initiative and be adaptive; and the ability to work both individually and in an internal and external team environment.
- Excellent organizational skills, able to work under pressure and experience in managing multiple projects simultaneously, with delivery on time and within budget to meet deadlines.
- Possess excellent verbal and written communication skills with strong attention to detail and the ability to communicate and influence a range of audiences in person, on social media and via written information.
- Full UK-valid driving license and use of a vehicle (Trust pool vehicles are available for work related activities).
- Physical ability to access sites and undertake site investigation with equipment.
- A passion for wildlife and conservation and an awareness of the key challenges facing conservation charities and the natural environment.
Salary: 34,130.00 GBP annually
Application deadline: December 4, 2025
