Assistant Conservation Officer – Rivers and Wetlands, Citizen Science

Overall Role

The postholder will play a key role in delivering more space for nature in Dorset by leading and growing Dorset Wildlife Trust's citizen science programmes for rivers and wetlands. A core part of the role is building trusted relationships and maintaining strong, consistent communication with volunteers, communities, land managers and delivery partners, enabling people to collect high-quality ecological data that informs conservation action.

You will be responsible for coordinating established monitoring schemes (including Dorset Water Guardians and Riverfly monitoring) and for designing and piloting new citizen science initiatives to address priority evidence gaps (e.g., invasive species, wetland condition, species recovery and restoration outcomes). Working within the River Catchment Team and project teams, you will ensure data standards, safe delivery in the field, effective volunteer support, and clear reporting to internal teams, funders and partners.

Key Responsibilities

Lead and Develop Citizen Science Schemes

Lead delivery of existing monitoring programmes (e.g., Dorset Water Guardians, Riverfly Monitoring) to agreed plans and budgets, ensuring consistent standards, safe working and a positive volunteer experience. Identify opportunities to expand scheme coverage, improve methodology and increase participation.

Design and Pilot New Monitoring Approaches

Work with colleagues and partners to define monitoring questions, select appropriate methods, and develop clear protocols, training materials and data workflows. Pilot new schemes, evaluate what works, and scale successful approaches.

Volunteer Recruitment, Training and Support

Recruit, induct, train and support volunteers and trainees, including producing role descriptions, running training sessions and providing ongoing coaching. Build an inclusive, welcoming culture and ensure volunteering opportunities are well-organised, meaningful and safe. Support volunteers to explore and develop citizen science questions and contribute to collaborative investigations of local evidence gaps.

Data Quality, Management and Reporting

Ensure monitoring data are accurate, well-documented and stored appropriately, in line with relevant data protection and GDPR requirements. Maintain databases and records, carry out basic analysis and produce clear updates and reports that inform project delivery, partner discussions, funding requirements, and monitoring and evaluation of project outputs and impacts.

Community Engagement and Partnership Working

Work with river interest groups, community organisations, land managers and partner bodies to promote citizen science and share findings. Represent DWT at relevant meetings and events, help run guided walks and volunteer task days, and support colleagues to use monitoring evidence in conservation planning. Produce regular updates and engagement materials for volunteers, partners and wider audiences, including newsletters, presentations, web content, case studies and other communications outputs.

Evidence-led Conservation Support

Support DWT's river and wetland projects (e.g. Dorset Beavers, Frome Headwaters Chalkstream Restoration Project and Stour Clay Vales and Chalkstreams Project) by helping specify monitoring for restoration outcomes and priority species, and by feeding results into site management and catchment planning. Where appropriate, assist with field delivery linked to monitoring, support the maintenance, calibration and deployment of monitoring equipment, commission and manage external contractors where required, and signpost landowners/communities to further advice and funding.

Person Specification

Experience (Essential)

• Coordinating and supporting volunteers, including recruitment, training and ongoing engagement.
• Delivering citizen science and/or community monitoring programmes (freshwater, wetlands or wider biodiversity).
• Collecting field data safely and consistently (e.g., invertebrates, water quality, habitat condition, invasive species) and applying quality assurance.
• Managing and maintaining datasets (e.g., spreadsheets/databases), and producing clear summaries and reports for non-technical audiences.
• Working with partners and stakeholders (e.g., NGOs, statutory agencies, community groups, land managers) to deliver shared outcomes.

Experience (Desirable)

• Developing or improving monitoring methods, protocols and training resources, and/or piloting new approaches.
• Supporting conservation delivery linked to monitoring outcomes (e.g., restoration aftercare, wetland management, species projects).
• Developing practical and costed work plans, and commissioning or managing contractors or external suppliers where required.

Knowledge (Essential)

• How river and wetland ecosystems function, including key pressures and the evidence base for nature-based solutions.
• Principles of ecological survey and monitoring, including sampling design, repeatability, bias and quality assurance.
• Citizen science best practice, including volunteer motivation, safeguarding appropriate boundaries, and inclusive engagement.
• Health and safety requirements for fieldwork, lone working, and supervising volunteers and contractors.
• Understanding of species recording systems and standards (e.g., data verification, metadata, GIS).
• Data protection and GDPR principles relevant to volunteer, survey and species data management.

Skills and Qualifications (Essential)

• Excellent verbal communication and active listening skills, with the ability to engage and motivate volunteers and community audiences.
• Strong written communication skills, including clear instructions/protocols and high-quality reports and updates.
• Practical fieldwork skills, including safe working near water and the ability to demonstrate survey techniques.
• Data handling skills (Microsoft 365), including maintaining accurate records and producing simple summaries/visualisations.
• Ability to plan, prioritise and deliver work programmes to deadlines, including coordinating multiple sites and people.
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel across Dorset.

Skills and Qualifications (Desirable)

• GIS skills and/or experience using mapping tools to support survey planning and reporting.
• First aid qualification.
• Experience of Riverfly monitoring and/or freshwater invertebrate ID.
• Understanding of water quality, hydrology and catchment management.