Senior Research Officer (Wetland Science)

Fixed Term Contract until March 2027

WWT is seeking a wetland scientist to create ground-breaking evidence about the multiple
benefits of nature-based flood resilience.

We are partners in major new projects ‘Community Bluescapes’ in Richmond and Wandsworth and
‘Slough Sponge City’ in Slough, both funded under the Environment Agency’s ‘Flood and Coastal
Resilience Innovation Programme’, and these give us the opportunity to implement an ambitious
research programme investigating the benefits of nature-based solutions for biodiversity,
sedimentation and hydrology, with the aim of increasing flood and drought resilience.

This is an incredibly exciting time to work in wetland conservation. Increased awareness of
nature-based solutions to the nature and climate crises has brought new opportunities for
wetland restoration. In line with this, WWT has an ambition to create and restore 100,000
hectares of wetland in the UK.

WWT’s success is built upon an evidence-based approach. Our Conservation Evidence department
currently employs 26 staff, having doubled in size since 2021. We are an interdisciplinary team
of conservation scientists. We work in collaboration with multiple NGO and academic partners
across the UK and overseas. Above all, we have impact: our research diagnoses problems and
identifies solutions, and in doing so we shape policy and action for wetland conservation.

Role Outline

We are now recruiting a Senior Research Officer who will work jointly across the Slough and
Richmond projects, implementing research on biodiversity, hydrology, water quality, and
geomorphology. The role will entail research design, fieldwork, analysis and write-up,
including of academic papers.

About You

You have a relevant PhD or equivalent experience, and you want to use your skills in wetland
science to contribute to ambitious wetland conservation programmes. You are a problem-solver,
partnership worker and a strong communicator.

If this sounds like you, this is a unique opportunity to join our growing team and help deliver
our vision of a world where healthy wetland nature thrives and enriches lives.

At WWT we believe that everyone should be able to come to work, volunteer or support our
organisation as their full selves. We are committed to creating a welcoming environment where
diversity and difference is valued. We welcome applications from everyone who meets the
criteria and strongly encourage individuals who are under-represented in the environmental and
charity sectors to apply.

About Us

The Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT) is a conservation charity that conserves, restores and
creates wetlands for the benefit of wildlife and people. With headquarters at Slimbridge,
Gloucestershire, we have 10 UK wetland centres around the four nations of the UK. In this
country, our conservation programmes are driven by the ambition of seeing 100,000 ha of wetland
restored or created by 2050. We also work internationally in wetland hotspots, such as
Madagascar and Cambodia, balancing conservation with sustainable livelihoods.

In return for your hard work and dedication you’ll enjoy a wide range of benefits
including:

• 33 days annual leave including bank holidays, increasing to 38 days after 5 years’ service
• Contributory pension scheme (conditions apply)
• Life assurance
• Free car parking and secure bike storage areas
• Cycle to work scheme
• Free entry to all our centres

Closing date: 3rd August 2023

Interview date: TBC

WWT is an equal opportunities employer and all applications will be considered solely on merit.