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 impactful marine and coastal recovery projects across Essex. The team focuses on key habitats including 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 play a vital part in advancing the partnership’s impact and building the evidence base for future saltmarsh restoration in the Greater Thames Estuary. The programme aims to restore 7 hectares of existing saltmarsh using smaller-scale, experimental active restoration methods at multiple sites in the Blackwater and Colne estuaries over a three-year period.

Collaboration and co-creation with coastal landowners is a key focus, alongside acting as the Trust’s advocate for saltmarshes and their recovery. 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: 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.

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 for this role.

Experience
Proven experience in habitat restoration or environmental project management, ideally with a focus on saltmarsh or coastal ecosystems. Demonstrated ability to lead complex projects and collaborate effectively with multiple stakeholders including landowners and partners.

About you
You are passionate about marine and coastal conservation with a practical, hands-on approach. You have strong communication and advocacy skills, are ambitious and motivated to deliver measurable environmental impact. You are collaborative, proactive, and aligned with the Trust’s values of being Impactful, Collaborative, United, and Proactive.

Qualifications
A relevant degree or equivalent experience in ecology, environmental science, marine biology, or a related field is desirable. A full, valid UK driving licence and access to a vehicle are essential.