Wilder Rivers Adviser

GenWater Ltd; Ipswich; Hybrid; GBP 27,000 - GBP 33,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading conservation organization is seeking a River Restoration Specialist to play a pivotal role in revitalizing Suffolk's waterways. You will use your expertise in river ecology to collaborate with landowners and communities, driving impactful projects aimed at restoring river health and supporting biodiversity. This fixed-term role offers a competitive salary of up to £32,672.00 annually and the chance to manage volunteer efforts towards a thriving natural environment.

Benefits

33 days annual leave, increasing to 38

9% employer pension contribution

Free life insurance

Access to a private GP

Employee discounts at retailers

Qualifications

• Strong practical knowledge of river ecology and geomorphology.
• Hands-on experience in river restoration techniques.
• Ability to engage volunteers and manage resources effectively.

Responsibilities

• Provide specialist advice and champion best practices.
• Drive forward ambitious river restoration projects.
• Help manage volunteers and ensure effective resource use.

Skills

Ecological knowledge

Project management

Communication skills

Partnership working

Public speaking

IT skills

Job description

Overview

This is an exciting opportunity to play a central role in bringing Suffolk’s rivers back to life at a pivotal moment for nature’s recovery. As we work towards our ambitious goal for 30% of the county to be connected and thriving for wildlife by 2030, this role will be at the forefront of restoring the health, function and resilience of Suffolk rivers.

Drawing on your expertise in river ecology and restoration, you will lead and inspire collaborative, innovative action across Suffolk’s river systems. You will work closely with landowners, partner organisations and local communities to deliver meaningful, landscape-scale improvements that create wilder, healthier waterways full of abundant wildlife. Your leadership will help shape a strategic, countywide approach to river restoration, prioritising areas of greatest need and maximising the impact of nature recovery efforts.

Responsibilities

You will provide specialist advice, champion best practice and guide riparian landowners in enhancing habitats and improving river function. You will drive forward ambitious projects, support others to deliver their own initiatives and help ensure the Trust’s resources are used effectively to achieve lasting ecological change.

Partnership working is fundamental to this opportunity. You will help build momentum within catchment groups, conservation organisations and major stakeholders, fostering shared purpose and driving collective action. Through raising awareness, influencing decision-makers and contributing your expertise, you will help secure a better future for Suffolk’s rivers and the communities that depend on them. In this role you will be a volunteer manager and will provide meaningful opportunities to new and existing volunteers that actively support the wilder rivers work and the 2030 strategy.

The post holder will need strong practical knowledge of river ecology, geomorphology and freshwater habitats, along with hands-on experience in river restoration techniques and providing technical advice. You’ll bring excellent communication, partnership working and project management skills, with the ability to engage volunteers, manage resources effectively and navigate funding, permissions and regulatory processes. Confidence with public speaking, strong IT skills and a proactive, solutions-focused approach are essential.

Requirements

This role is a fixed-term position up to one year to cover a period of maternity leave. The working hours are 37.5 hours per week (Monday to Friday from 9:00am to 5:00pm) based at Brooke House in Ashbocking. We operate flexible homeworking arrangements where colleagues spend more time working together than homeworking. The starting salary is up to £32,672.00 per annum (pro-rata).

To apply for this opportunity, please submit an application via our website by 9:00am on Wednesday 25 February 2026 with interviews planned for Thursday 05 March 2026.

Supporting Documents

• Recruitment Pack

• Role Description

Benefits

Annual leave entitlement starts at 33 days per annum (including Bank Holidays), increasing annually to 38 days plus employees receive an extra day off for their birthday. We offer a 9% employer pension contribution with no employee contribution required, free 24-hour Employee Assistance Programme, free life insurance from day one of employment, free access to a private GP and discounts at high street retailers. Staff can also enjoy a 10% discount in our visitor centre cafes, including retail.

About Suffolk Wildlife Trust

Suffolk Wildlife Trust is committed to an inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone is welcome. As a conservation charity, we recognise the importance of diversity in both nature and our workforce of staff and volunteers. We strive to ensure that everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute to our vision of “A Wilder Suffolk where nature is thriving and abundant because everyone is doing more to help”.