Assistant River Kent Project Officer
for the LIFE R4ever Kent (LIFE20 NAT/UK/001013) project
£19,500 to £23,000 pro rata per annum. Future potential up to £25,000 pro rata.
Hours: 18.5 hours per week including some weekend/holiday duties (0.5 FTE)
Closing date: 31st October, 2021
LIFE is an EU-funded programme aimed at the protection and restoration of Europe’s nature, and halting and reversing biodiversity loss. LIFE supports achieving the objectives of the EU’s biodiversity strategy for 2030 and is part of the EU Green Deal. LIFE funds the development and management of the Natura 2000 network which protects over 18 % of the EU’s land area and more than 8 % of its marine territory.
As part of the Natura 2000 network, the River Kent SAC (UK0030256) is designated for its Ranunculion habitat, freshwater pearl mussel, bullhead and white clawed crayfish. The River Kent SAC is impacted by issues including water quality, siltation, physical modification and invasive alien species, all of which have led to a decline in native species condition and extent. LIFE R4ever Kent (LIFE20 NAT/UK/001013) plans to Restore and Revive the River Kent SAC, so that the species and habitats can Recover, thus making the designated features more Resilient to environmental pressures. The freshwater pearl mussel is a keystone species which requires clean gravel habitats and low suspended solids/nutrient loading. Improved water and habitat quality (including Ranunculion habitat) will benefit other aquatic/terrestrial species including the endangered white clawed crayfish and provide optimum conditions for the freshwater pearl mussel’s salmonid hosts. The project will trial new techniques, provide targeted advice and training and promote better replication/communication.
Natural England is the lead partner for the project and is working in partnership with South Cumbria Rivers Trust, Freshwater Biological Association and Environment Agency.
Role description
We are seeking to appoint an enthusiastic self-starter who will assist in the day-to-day operations of the Freshwater Pearl Mussel Ark. Funded for five years as part of the EU LIFE project “R4ever Kent”, the Pearl Mussel Assistant will help the Pearl Mussel Officer and the River Kent Officer with all aspects of mussel breeding and release activities. You will gain a broad range of experience by assisting other members of the team in mussel breeding system building/maintenance, identifying mussel habitat in native rivers, taking place in juvenile mussel release trials, assisting in report writing and compilation of information for engagement activities. This is an excellent opportunity if you are entering in to a career in biodiversity/conservation/ecology.
The successful candidate will be an enthusiastic, organised, detail-oriented individual with a keen willingness to learn a wide range of practical skills. You will be a strong team player who is adaptable and willing to meet the varied needs of the FBA’s mussel activities. You will be given the opportunity to learn and develop a wide range of skills and will be an important member of the team, ensuring that the rearing and release requirements for each of the priority mussel populations are met.
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Closing date: 31st October 2021
Interviews: To be held w/c 8th November 2021
To apply: Please send CV and cover letter to [email protected] no later than 31st October 2021
