Location
Great Wigborough, Colchester, Essex

Hours
Full Time - Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm

Salary
£34,130 per annum

About the Role
We are seeking an experienced, ambitious, practical, and passionate individual to join Essex Wildlife Trust’s growing Marine & Coastal Recovery Team as the Saltmarsh Recovery Manager. You will lead the development and delivery of the Trust’s active saltmarsh restoration programme, contributing to several ambitious projects aimed at marine and coastal recovery in Essex. Key focus habitats include saltmarsh, intertidal seagrass meadows, native oyster reefs, coastal sand and shingle, and beach-nesting birds. This role is funded through Transforming the Thames, a multi-habitat coastal restoration project, and will significantly contribute to the partnership’s impact and the evidence base for future saltmarsh restoration in the Greater Thames Estuary.

The role involves restoring 7 hectares of existing saltmarsh using smaller-scale, experimental active restoration approaches at multiple sites in the Blackwater and Colne estuaries over a three-year delivery period. Collaboration and co-creation with coastal landowners are essential, as is acting as the Trust’s advocate for saltmarshes and their recovery. This is a fixed-term, 36-month contract starting January 2026. A valid full UK driving licence and access to your own vehicle are required.

You will join the Trust at an exciting time as we scale up efforts to achieve marine and coastal recovery aligned with our core aims: actively managing 30% of land and sea in Essex for nature’s recovery by 2030 and inspiring 1 in 4 people in Essex to take action for nature and climate by 2030. Our values are Impactful, Collaborative, United, and Proactive.

Experience
Proven experience in saltmarsh restoration or related marine and coastal habitat management. Demonstrated ability to lead projects and work collaboratively with multiple stakeholders including landowners and partners.

About you
Ambitious, practical, and passionate about marine and coastal conservation. Strong communicator and advocate for nature recovery. Able to work independently and as part of a team. Committed to the Trust’s values of being Impactful, Collaborative, United, and Proactive.

Qualifications
A valid full UK driving licence and access to your own vehicle are essential. Relevant academic or professional qualifications in ecology, environmental science, marine biology, or related fields are desirable but not mandatory.