Field Surveyors (Humber Beaver Partnership)

Job Advert

(Full Time, Fixed term to October 2028)

Location: Idle Valley Nature Reserve, Retford (with travel across the Humber Catchment Region required)

Help Prepare the Humber Catchment for the Return of Wild Beavers

Are you a skilled ecologist with a passion for species recovery and landscape-scale conservation?

We're seeking two dedicated Field Surveyors to support the delivery of the ambitious Natural England Species Recovery Programme-funded project, "Preparing for Beavers Across the Humber Catchment."

These exciting roles will help lay the foundations for the successful reintroduction and long-term coexistence of wild beavers across one of the UK's most significant river catchments. Working with a broad partnership of Wildlife Trusts, environmental organisations, statutory bodies, landowners, water companies and local authorities, you will play a crucial role in gathering the evidence needed to inform future beaver reintroduction.

If you enjoy fieldwork, ecological surveying and collaborating with a diverse range of partners and volunteers, we'd love to hear from you.

About the Role

The Field Surveyors will work across the Humber Beaver Partnership (HBP), providing specialist survey expertise and additional field capacity to partners across the catchment. You will undertake surveys to establish the presence, distribution and extent of wild beaver populations, assess river and riparian habitats, and identify suitable sites for future beaver releases and habitat enhancement.

The role will involve extensive fieldwork, working alongside partner organisations, community groups, volunteers and landowners to support evidence-based conservation planning and species recovery.

About You

We're looking for enthusiastic and organised field ecologists who combines strong technical survey skills with a collaborative and adaptable approach.

We'd love to hear from you if you have:

• A Degree in Ecology, or a related science or comparable experience
• Highly efficient administration and organisation skills, including ability to prioritise workloads and meet tight deadlines
• Experience of planning and delivering practical conservation and countryside management activities
• Ecological survey and assessment experience of a range of faunal groups and flora
• Experience of working with and liaising with community groups and farmers
• Experience of using ecological GIS mapping tools

Our Culture

We are strong believers that it is our culture that makes it a special place to work and drives our huge successes. Our people are passionate and dedicated to making Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust the best that it can be. We are the county's leading conservation charity run by local people for the benefit of local wildlife, with nature reserves across the county. We are a part of a UK network of 46 local Wildlife Trusts working to protect wildlife.

Why Join Us?

This is a unique opportunity to contribute directly to one of the most exciting species recovery programmes in England. Your work will help shape the future of beaver restoration across the Humber catchment, delivering benefits for wildlife, water management, climate resilience and local communities.

Join us and be part of bringing beavers back to the Humber landscape.

For more details of the role, responsibilities and key competencies required, please refer to the Job Description.

This post is subject to a Basic DBS Check. You will be required to travel so a driving licence is essential. We are planning to hold interviews on the 6th October 2026.

Equal Opportunity - Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust is an equal opportunities employer that strives to be a diverse and inclusive environment in which everyone is valued. We welcome applications from eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity.

We recognise that our workforce needs to represent the communities and people we work with. We particularly encourage applications from underrepresented groups within Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust, the wider charity and conservation sectors, such as people from Black and Ethnic Minority backgrounds and those who identify as LGBTQ+.

Disability - If you have any support requirements to make your application, please notify us at the earliest opportunity via HR@nottswt.co.uk so that appropriate reasonable adjustments can be made to our recruitment process.

We are a Disability Confident employer. Applicants with a disability will be guaranteed an interview if they meet the essential criteria for the position.

Employment checks - We are committed to safeguarding our employees; safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk; and mitigating the risk to our business of financial and/or data fraud. Applicants must be willing to undergo pre-employment checks with past employers; Disclosure and Barring Service checks at the eligible level; right to work checks and driving licence checks (where applicable).

Employment of ex-offenders - This role is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974) and successful applicants will be asked to declare any unspent criminal convictions.

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