Local recruitment: Conservation Officer: Upper Caldew

Eden Rivers Trust

Penrith, UK 🇬🇧

Cumbria, UK 🇬🇧

We’re looking for an experienced conservation professional to help deliver Phase 1 of our new project, Reconnecting and Reviving the Caldew.

  • Posted on: 27/05/2026
  • Closing Date: 18/06/2026
  • Salary: £28,000 -£30,000 pa plus contributory pension (pro-rata for 4 day week)
  • Contract: 4 or 5 days per week, 18-month contract with opportunity to extend.
  • Location: Penrith, Cumbria

About the role

This is an exciting opportunity for a conservation professional looking for a new challenge to help deliver ambitious riparian improvement and water-friendly farming projects in the Upper Caldew catchment in north Cumbria.

During phase 1 of our new project: Reconnecting & Reviving the Caldew, supported by a grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, you’ll work directly with farmers, landowners and local communities – undertaking farm walkovers, writing farm-focused water and environment improvement plans, and developing environmental improvement projects using nature-based solutions and on-farm infrastructure.

For more information and details of how to apply, please read the Recruitment pack.

Conservation Officer: Upper Caldew recruitment pack

About you

This role could be for you if you:

  • Are passionate about practical conservation, with a degree in a related discipline, in-depth technical knowledge of an aspect of using nature-based solutions, and at least 3 years’ experience in developing practical conservation projects,
  • Have a strong track record of working with farmers and can balance environmental and sustainable farm business needs, and
  • Are excited by the opportunity to shape positive change in the Upper Caldew catchment, in north Cumbria.

Why join us

This is an opportunity to help shape the future of riparian conservation in the Upper Caldew. 

You will join a committed team working to create healthier rivers, thriving wildlife and to inspire and empower communities across Cumbria. We offer 33 days’ paid leave, including bank holidays, a contributory pension, life assurance, mileage expenses and the tools you need to do the job.

This role is offered as a full-time role, but we are open to it being a 4-day role (salary pro-rata) as well for the right candidate.

How to apply

To apply for this role, please read the application form guidance notes, download and complete the application form and send it to office@edenrt.org 

Deadline for applications: 9 am, Thursday, 18 June 2026

Interviews are planned to be held during the week beginning Monday, 06 July.

Please get in touch with us on 01768 866788 if you would like an informal chat about the role.

The successful applicant will be required to complete a Disclosure and Barring Service check and provide satisfactory references.

Downloads

12 days remaining

Apply by 18 June, 2026

POSITION TYPE

ORGANIZATION TYPE

EXPERIENCE-LEVEL

DEGREE REQUIRED

IHE Delft - MSc in Water and Sustainable Development