Location
Wheatley, Oxfordshire, operating across the Thame Catchment spanning parts of Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire.

Hours
Full Time - Flexible working system with a degree of homeworking possible, balanced with office presence to support team integration and learning.

Salary
£28,000 per annum

About the Role
This is an exciting opportunity to develop a range of technical and project skills across a diverse portfolio of conservation projects undertaken by the River Thame Conservation Trust. You will support the conception, design, delivery and monitoring of projects including in-river habitat enhancement, fish passage solutions, wetland creation, and nature-based solutions aimed at reducing flood risk, improving water quality, and aiding species recovery. The role involves both office and field-based work, with an expectation of 25% to 50% fieldwork. A key component is providing GIS technical support across the Trust’s projects. You will work within the River and Habitats Team and collaborate across the Trust, including the land management team, providing GIS support. Liaison with partner organisations, volunteers, community groups, and landowners to develop and deliver projects is essential. The position is initially for 2 years with potential for extension subject to funding and organisational needs.

About the River Thame Conservation Trust
Founded in 2012, the Trust is a charitable environmental organisation dedicated to safeguarding the River Thame, its catchment, and wildlife, ensuring these benefits can be enjoyed by people. The Trust operates through practical habitat creation and enhancement projects, promoting water and wildlife friendly farming, enabling public and community participation in nature, and influencing policy through advocacy and data-driven insights. The Trust works closely with local communities, landowners, statutory bodies, and partners, and is part of the national Rivers Trust network, which supports knowledge exchange, training, and national advocacy.

Key Responsibilities
- Collate site details through field visits, ecological observations, survey and recording (25%)
- Liaise with landowners to discuss, promote and agree project ideas and delivery (10%)
- Supervise contractors on-site during project delivery under senior staff direction (5%)
- Provide GIS mapping outputs and support wider team GIS use (15%)
- Conduct spatial analysis and produce reports on ecological and land use data (5%)
- Liaise with partners, regulatory bodies and planning authorities regarding consents and approvals (25%)
- Support volunteer engagement and citizen science programmes (5%)
- Assist with team coordination, project management, administration, health and safety, wellbeing, and equipment management (10%)

Experience
- Educated to degree level in a relevant subject such as environmental science, biology, hydrology, conservation management, geography, or demonstrable equivalent knowledge.
- Working knowledge and capability in GIS; experience solely in QGIS is acceptable with willingness to develop ArcGIS skills (training provided).
- Ability to communicate effectively and diplomatically with colleagues, land managers, regulators, and stakeholders.
- Good IT skills including proficiency with MS Office Suite.
- Flexibility, adaptability, and pragmatism to work effectively in a small, dynamic organisation.
- Full driving licence and access to a car insured for work use.

About You
- Motivated to work both in the field and office environments.
- Able to build positive relationships with landowners, partners, volunteers, and community groups.
- Enthusiastic about conservation and nature-based solutions.
- Comfortable managing multiple tasks including project coordination and administrative duties.

Qualifications
- Degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant environmental or conservation discipline.
- Desirable: Experience in river and wetland habitat management, ecological survey, citizen science, Biodiversity Net Gain, and spatial analysis including volumetric GIS calculations.