An 18-month, four-day-a-week Project Officer role in South Wales, focused on expanding a volunteer-supported smart-trap network across the Glamorgan uplands and surrounding area. The post is funded by Waterlife Recovery Trust, Wild Cymru and Natural Resources Wales, with potential for renewal if follow-on funding is secured.
Job Title: Project Officer — Hampshire
Help bring life back to Hampshire’s rivers and wetlands.
Waterlife Recovery Trust is seeking a motivated, practical and collaborative Project Officer to help protect water voles and other native wildlife from invasive American mink.
This is a full-time, fixed-term role for **two and a half years**, based in Hampshire. You will build and maintain a coordinated network of smart mink traps, work closely with local volunteers and landowners, and help deliver a practical, evidence-led approach to wildlife recovery. The post is employed by Waterlife Recovery Trust.
The role
As Project Officer, you will take a leading role in expanding and supporting a network of smart mink rafts and traps across your project area.
You will work independently in the field while remaining closely connected to a wider network of project officers, conservation partners and volunteers. This is a varied role for someone who enjoys practical conservation, building positive relationships and solving problems in changing outdoor conditions.
You will:
- Identify priority locations for smart mink rafts and trapping equipment
- Work with landowners, farmers, fisheries, conservation groups and local communities
- Recruit, train and support volunteers to host, monitor and maintain traps
- Respond to activated traps and ensure humane, safe and lawful practice
- Maintain accurate records of trap activity, mink captures and project progress
- Collect and submit data that helps improve trapping strategy over time
- Promote the project locally and encourage new people to become involved
- Work with Waterlife Recovery Trust colleagues and partners to support wider eradication goals
About you
You will be someone who combines a strong interest in nature recovery with a practical, calm and responsible approach to fieldwork.
You do not need to have done this exact job before, but you should be comfortable working independently, managing your own time and communicating with a wide range of people.
We would like to hear from you if you have:
- Experience in conservation, countryside management, ecology, pest management, farming, fisheries or a related field
- Confidence working outdoors, including near water and in variable weather
- Experience of engaging volunteers, landowners or community groups
- Good organisation and reliable record-keeping skills
- A practical approach to equipment, maintenance and problem-solving
- Strong communication skills and the ability to build trust with others
- A full driving licence and access to suitable transport
- A willingness to work flexibly, including occasional early mornings, evenings or weekends
- Training and support will be provided for the project’s trapping, welfare, safety and record-keeping procedures.
Why this work matters
American mink are an invasive non-native predator that can have a devastating impact on water voles and other wetland wildlife. By bringing smart traps, local knowledge and volunteer effort together across whole river catchments, Waterlife Recovery Trust is working towards a future in which native wildlife can recover without constant pressure from mink.
This is more than a trapping role. It is an opportunity to help build a long-term, scalable solution for rivers and wetlands in Hampshire and beyond.
What we offer
- Full-time, fixed-term employment for 2.5 years
- Salary of £29,000 per year, with pension provision and 20 days’ annual leave pro rata [netzerocareers.co](https://netzerocareers.co.uk/find-jobs/post/project-officer-hampshire-waterlife-recovery-trust-36735)
- A varied role combining practical outdoor conservation with community engagement
- Training, guidance and support from Waterlife Recovery Trust and project partners
- The opportunity to make a tangible difference for threatened native wildlife
