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 ambitious, practical, and passionate individual to join Essex Wildlife Trust’s growing Marine & Coastal Recovery Team as the Saltmarsh Recovery Research Manager. This role will lead the development and delivery of the Trust’s extensive saltmarsh recovery programme along Essex’s internationally important coast. Funded through the prestigious seascape-scale Transforming the Thames coastal restoration partnership project, you will deliver smaller-scale, experimental active saltmarsh restoration approaches, collaborate with landowners to develop new projects, and act as a champion and advocate for saltmarshes.

As a key part of this major evidence-based project, you will make a significant contribution to on-the-ground conservation impact and help build a long-term legacy of scientific evidence for Transforming the Thames and future initiatives. This is a fixed-term, 36-month contract starting in January 2026.

Experience
Proven experience in saltmarsh or coastal habitat restoration, ecological research, or a related environmental field is essential. Experience working collaboratively with landowners and stakeholders to develop and deliver conservation projects is highly desirable.

About you
You are ambitious, practical, and passionate about marine and coastal conservation. You have strong project management skills and the ability to lead and deliver complex restoration programmes. Excellent communication skills and the ability to advocate effectively for saltmarsh habitats are important. You must hold a valid full UK driving licence and have access to your own vehicle.

Qualifications
A relevant degree or equivalent qualification in ecology, environmental science, marine biology, or a related discipline is required.