Location
Forestry England's Yorkshire Forest District, covering an area from Teesside to Spurn Head, including the North York Moors National Park, Leeds metropolitan area, and Yorkshire Dales National Park. The role is based at the district office in Pickering with up to one third of the time spent outdoors, often independently and remotely.

Hours
37 hours per week

Salary
£32,089 - £32,724 per annum

About the Role
As Species Recovery Officer, you will lead innovative nature recovery projects that deliver Forestry England’s national Biodiversity Plan. Your primary focus will be restoring ecosystem engineers and keystone species to build fully functioning ecosystems. In Yorkshire, this includes restoring wild beaver populations in the Derwent Catchment and delivering a pine marten recovery feasibility project for Northeast Yorkshire. You will also lead or coordinate other species recovery projects such as soil fungi translocations and recovery of Northern Hairy Wood Ant populations. The role requires managing your own time efficiently to maximize effectiveness. This position is a 3-year Fixed Term Appointment funded by Defra and subject to government spending reviews, with a strong likelihood of continued funding.

Benefits
Forestry England contributes an average of 28.97% towards your pension through the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension Scheme. You will receive 25 days holiday per year, increasing by one day per year of service up to 30 days (pro-rated for part-time employees), plus bank holidays. Additional benefits include access to the STaR employee benefits scheme offering discounts on shopping, travel, insurance, gym memberships, and wellbeing apps. Free parking at Forestry England sites and free entry to National Arboretums at Westonbirt and Bedgebury are provided. Forestry England supports lifelong learning and career development through professional development, individual learning plans, and sponsored membership of professional bodies.

Experience
Proven experience in leading or coordinating nature recovery or biodiversity projects is essential. Experience working independently in outdoor environments and managing multiple projects is highly desirable.

About you
You are passionate about conservation and biodiversity with strong project management skills. You are self-motivated, able to work independently and remotely, and capable of managing your own time effectively. Excellent communication and collaboration skills are required to work with diverse stakeholders and teams.

Qualifications
A relevant degree or equivalent experience in ecology, conservation, environmental science, or a related discipline is expected. Knowledge of species recovery techniques and ecosystem restoration is advantageous.