Senior Species Recovery Officer

London Wildlife Trust; Greater London; On-site; GBP 38,000; Full time

Job summary

An organization dedicated to nature recovery is seeking a Senior Species Recovery Officer to lead a project reintroducing white storks and beavers in East London. This role involves coordinating habitat restoration, engaging communities through workshops, and managing volunteers. Ideal candidates will have experience in conservation, effective communication skills, and a passion for wildlife. The position is based at The Discovery Centre, with a salary of £37,311 and a fixed-term contract until February 2028.

Benefits

25 days annual leave

Discounts on retail and dining

Salary sacrifice schemes for gym and childcare

Enhanced maternity and paternity pay

Free Employee Assistance Scheme

Qualifications

• Demonstrable experience delivering nature recovery or conservation projects.
• Confidence in designing and leading public engagement activities.
• Experience working in partnerships with local authorities and community groups.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate species recovery actions including habitat restoration.
• Deliver engaging activities like wildlife walks and community workshops.
• Develop and run volunteer training sessions.

Skills

Passionate about wildlife

Experience delivering conservation projects

Experience in habitat restoration

Strong communicator

Job description

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Senior Species Recovery Officer

Salary: £37,311

We also offer:

• 25 days annual leave (plus bank holidays) and a discretionary Christmas closure
• Benefits platform with discounts on retail, dining and days out
• Salary sacrifice schemes for gym, bicycles and nursery/childcare
• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
• Access to a free Employee Assistance Scheme for support inside and outside of work

Location: The Discovery Centre at Eastbrookend Country Park, London Borough of Barking & Dagenham

Contract: Fixed-term contract ending February 2028 with possibility of extension subject to further funding being secured

London Wildlife Trust and London Borough of Barking and Dagenham (LBBD) are launching an ambitious, new species reintroduction programme - Rewilding East London. This flagship project will reintroduce white storks and Eurasian beavers to key sites in East London, boosting biodiversity, outdoor learning, and community connection with nature.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and skilled Species Recovery Officer to lead the delivery of this exciting project. You will coordinate species reintroductions, oversee habitat restoration, manage volunteers, and deliver inspiring community engagement activities. This is a unique opportunity to shape a high‑profile nature recovery initiative in one of London's most diverse areas, inspiring local communities through hands‑on conservation, and education, and showcasing what is possible for nature recovery within urban environments.

The project is being funded through a combination of a grant from the Mayor of London's Green Roots fund, and funding from Barking and Dagenham Council.

About the role

As Species Recovery Officer, you will:

• Coordinate species recovery actions, including leading on habitat restoration, establishing site infrastructure, and developing a robust monitoring programme;
• Deliver engaging activities such as wildlife walks, school sessions, talks and community workshops;
• Develop and run volunteer training and support volunteers in practical conservation, species checks and ecological monitoring;
• Work closely with the LBBD Ranger Team and specialist partners to ensure reintroduction activities follow best practice;
• Help build a strong local relationship with beavers and white storks, fostering pride, understanding and long‑term stewardship.

This role is based at The Discovery Centre in Eastbrookend Country Park, where the species reintroduction programme will act as a catalyst for connecting communities with nature, improving biodiversity and expanding London's ecological networks.

About you

We're looking for someone who is:

• Passionate about wildlife, urban rewilding and community involvement, with demonstrable experience delivering nature recovery or conservation projects;
• Confident designing and leading public engagement activities such as nature walks and education sessions;
• Experienced in habitat restoration, ecological fieldwork or species recovery;
• Experienced working in partnerships and with a range of stakeholders including local authorities, corporates and community groups to achieve shared outcomes for biodiversity;
• Comfortable coordinating volunteers and developing training programmes;
• A strong communicator, able to inspire diverse audiences and build positive partnerships;
• Organised, proactive and able to work independently in a dynamic environment;
• Flexible to work regular weekends and some evenings.

Why join us?

This new role presents an exciting chance to:

• Play a central role in a landmark urban rewilding and species recovery project for London;
• Support the return of iconic native species;
• Empower communities to engage with nature and help shape future project phases;
• Contribute to a bold, hopeful vision for nature recovery in the capital.

Closing Date: 5th January 2026 11:59pm

Does this sound like you? We'd love to hear from you!

Our vision is a London alive with wildlife, with nature in everyone's neighbourhood. To achieve our goal of inspiring everyone to help restore London's wildlife, we recognise that our team must better reflect and represent all of London's diverse communities. Find out more about London Wildlife Trust's commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion here: https://www.wildlondon.org.uk/jobs.

We are also committed to ensuring that the safety and wellbeing of children, young people and adults at risk is at the heart of our engagement with people. Read about our commitment to safeguarding here: https://www.wildlondon.org.uk/safeguarding.