Species Recovery Officer

Job Introduction

Lincolnshire County Council and the Lincolnshire Chalk Streams Project are seeking a passionate and motivated Species Recovery Officer to lead the conservation and recovery of the rare and nationally important Crystal Moss Animal (Lophopus crystallinus) across Lincolnshire's chalk stream and wetland environments.

Please note that this is a fixed term contract until March 2029, funded by Natural England Species Recovery Programme.

This exciting role will play a key part in developing and delivering species recovery actions, improving habitat conditions, undertaking monitoring and research, and working with landowners, partners, volunteers and local communities to secure the long-term future of this remarkable freshwater invertebrate. The officer will work closely with University of Nottingham and The Deep Hull. There is also the opportunity to complete a Masters by Research with the university.

Working across the Lincolnshire Chalk Streams Project and Lincolnshire County Council, you will be at the forefront of practical conservation delivery, helping to recover a priority species while contributing to broader landscape-scale nature recovery.

The successful candidate will contribute directly to local nature recovery ambitions, helping to deliver measurable gains for biodiversity through practical conservation, partnership working and evidence-led management.

We are looking for an enthusiastic conservation professional who can combine strong ecological knowledge with excellent communication and project management skills.

This is a unique opportunity to help shape the future of freshwater biodiversity in Lincolnshire.

If you would like an open and informal discussion regards this role then please contact: Ruth.Craig@lincolnshire.gov.uk

Closing date: 30/08/26.

Interviews: TBC.

At Lincolnshire County Council, we believe our people are at the heart of everything we do. That’s why we offer a rewarding package designed to support your work–life balance, health and wellbeing, financial security, and career growth. Find out more about our offer to you here.

PLEASE NOTE: It is imperative that your personal statement clearly states why you have applied, how you meet the essential and desirable criteria for the role as set out in the Job Description (attached on LCC jobs Site) and what you feel you can bring to this role, the team and the wider County Council.

Please refer to our Job Information Pack here to support you in your application.

On occasion we receive significantly more applications than expected for some vacancies and under such circumstances we reserve the right to bring forward the closing date of the advertisement. We therefore strongly advise you to apply for the role promptly to avoid disappointment should the closing date be brought forward. Please also note: once an application is submitted it is final and cannot be amended. If you withdraw your application, it cannot be reinstated and you will not be able to submit another application for that vacancy. If you have an issue with your submitted application, please contact recruitment@lincolnshire.gov.uk.

We operate a talent pool scheme whereby candidates who are not successful on this occasion may be considered for a period of up to 3 months for equal positions.

Lincolnshire County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

A Smarter Working Employer

We have embraced new ways of working and hybrid working will be a feature of this role. You will be given a nominated contractual work base and you will be required to commute to this work base when necessary. Working arrangements regarding hybrid working will be discussed as part of the appointment process.

Our technology platform and equipment is very good enabling you to connect and collaborate remotely. We require that you have in place good connectivity, and we will discuss during the recruitment process if support with this is needed.

Fluency Duty

In accordance with Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016 (Fluency Duty), the ability to converse at ease with customers and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post.

Our values – collaborative, adaptable, eco-conscious, supportive, and responsible – guide everything we do. We’re looking for candidates who share these values and bring them to life in their work, helping us build strong teams and make a real difference in the communities we serve.