Mor Nature – Restoration Project Coordinator

The Ocean Conservation Trust (OCT) is a global ocean conservation charity that exists to restore and protect the Ocean. Our work is centred around people and positive action through pro-ocean behaviour and habitat restoration. We’re committed to conserving the marine environment and inspiring others to do the same.

Ocean Habitat Restoration is a holistic approach to seagrass protection, regeneration and restoration at scale, delivering the UK’s largest subtidal seagrass restoration programme. Our goal is to protect 700 hectares and develop a blueprint for large scale restoration of this vital habitat.

The Role

Mor Nature is a new seascape-scale restoration initiative, funded by UK Government’s Natural England-led Species Recovery Programme and delivered in partnership between the Ocean Conservation Trust (OCT), Cornwall Wildlife Trust (CWT) and others. The project will restore subtidal and intertidal seagrass meadows and native oyster populations within the Fal and Helford SAC through a combination of active habitat restoration, comprehensive monitoring, and community stewardship.

This role represents a rare and exciting opportunity to contribute directly to large-scale marine restoration. You will lead on coordinating the project and partnership, enabling fieldwork, engagement and monitoring activities and ensuring delivery against grant commitments.

You will divide your time between the subtidal seagrass lead (OCT) and the intertidal seagrass and oyster lead (CWT), regularly spending time at both institutions. The role will be dynamic, meeting regularly with partners and forming relationships across the partnership, catchment and region. With the potential for significant time on the water and the shore, the role suits an active and positively minded person.

You will have a relevant background in marine, environmental or conservation science or management, with a track record of working within and across partnerships. With a passion for the environment and the ocean, you seek to apply your organisational and people skills to make positive change. You enjoy breaking down complex tasks and working with others to find efficient solutions. Equally at home presenting at a conference, or on a blustery, cold day at sea or on the mudflats!

In return you will be welcomed into a dynamic team, all of us working towards a shared goal to succeed in the applied conservation of coastal habitats. The role will be diverse and rewarding, with scope for significant field time on and in the water. You will be required to spend time on boats including diving if you have the correct qualifications. In working collaboratively with OCT, CWT and partners, you will be part of pioneering efforts in the field of UK coastal habitat conservation, and in working jointly between the Ocean Conservation Trust and Cornwall Wildlife Trust you will be joining two exciting charities that are making a real difference each day, with a can-do attitude and hope for the future.

This is a fixed term position until April 2029 for 37.5 hours per week, with a salary range from £30,000 – £32,000 per annum depending on experience. It is anticipated that the role will be primarily based at the National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth, home of the Ocean Conservation Trust and working at Cornwall Wildlife Trust headquarters near Truro at least one day a week, with potential for flexible working arrangements. Frequent travel and working locally including field work is expected.

Please see our website for the Job Description and Person Specification.

The closing date for applications is 9am, Monday 5th October.

Interviews will be held week commencing 19th October. Due to typically high levels of interest, only candidates invited for interview will be contacted.

In line with current legislation all applicants must be eligible to live and work in the UK. As part of the recruitment process you will be asked to provide documented evidence of eligibility.

The OCT operates an Equality and Diversity Policy and is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community – a place where we can all be ourselves and succeed on merit. All applications will be judged solely on merit; however, we particularly welcome applications from groups currently under-represented in the workforce.