Local recruitment: River and Wetlands Assistant Project Officer

River Thame Conservation Trust (RTCT)

Waterstock, UK 🇬🇧

Location: Wheatley (near Oxford)

Salary: £28,000–£34,000 per annum

Contract: Full-time, 2-year fixed-term (with aspiration to become permanent)

Closing date: Friday 31st October 2025

About the role

We’re looking for a motivated and practical person to join our River & Habitats Team and play a key role in restoring rivers, creating wetlands, and supporting nature recovery across the River Thame catchment.

This varied role combines fieldwork (25–50% of your time) and office-based work. You’ll support the design, delivery and monitoring of projects that improve river habitats, enhance fish passage, and deliver nature-based solutions that reduce flood risk, improve water quality, and help wildlife thrive.

A core part of your role will be providing GIS technical support to projects and colleagues across the Trust. You’ll also work closely with landowners, community groups, volunteers and partners to make projects happen on the ground.

About us

The River Thame Conservation Trust (RTCT) is an environmental charity working to safeguard the River Thame, its catchment and wildlife for the benefit of people and nature. We deliver practical restoration projects, promote water and wildlife-friendly farming, enable public participation in conservation, and act as a voice for the river.

We’re a small, collaborative team with a strong community network and close partnerships across the sector. As part of the wider Rivers Trust movement, you’ll have access to national training, shared resources and opportunities to develop your professional skills.

What we’re looking for

We’re seeking someone with:

  • A relevant degree (e.g. environmental science, biology, hydrology, conservation, geography) or equivalent experience
  • Working knowledge of GIS (QGIS or ArcGIS — training provided if needed)
  • Strong communication skills and confidence engaging with landowners and partners
  • A flexible, pragmatic approach suited to a small, dynamic organisation
  • A full driving licence and the legal right to work in the UK

Desirable experience includes river and wetland habitat management, ecological surveying, citizen science, Biodiversity Net Gain, and spatial analysis in GIS.

Benefits

  • Flexible and hybrid working options
  • 27 days annual leave plus public holidays
  • Pension & Life Assurance (9% employer, 6% employee)
  • Professional development and training opportunities

How to apply

Please send the following to Jane Willis (jane@riverthame.org):

  • A cover letter (max 2 pages) outlining your motivation and relevant experience
  • A CV (max 2 pages)

Interviews: Tuesday 18th November 2025 (in-person, Wheatley office)

Download full Job Description

9 days remaining

Apply by 31 October, 2025

POSITION TYPE

ORGANIZATION TYPE

EXPERIENCE-LEVEL

DEGREE REQUIRED

IHE Delft - MSc in Water and Sustainable Development