We are looking for an enthusiastic and approachable person to lead our Marsh Mallow Moth recovery work on the East Sussex / Kent border as part of our Species Recovery Programme project. The successful candidate will help ensure the future of this species through habitat creation, foodplant propagation, leading volunteers, and liaising with landowners and other stakeholders.
The Project Officer, supported by our Senior Ecologist, will lead on the delivery of activities to increase habitat for Marsh Mallow Moth within the Romney Marsh landscape by securing new locations for habitat creation and ensuring a post-programme legacy through supporting landowners.
We believe our work has never been more important.
Wildlife is in steep decline across the UK and over three-quarters of butterflies and two-thirds of moths are declining. We recognise it needs a great team with a wide variety of skills to tackle the problems facing butterflies, moths and the environment.
Our staff and volunteers are proud to be part of Butterfly Conservation and are dedicated to making a difference to the environment we live in. We understand the importance of maintaining and expanding our expert and valued team of people and offer a range of roles located all over the UK, from the peat bogs in Scotland to the post room in Dorset.
Job Title: Marsh Mallow Moth Project Officer
Responsible To: Senior Ecologist
Location: Home based within East Kent or East Sussex, with travel required to sites within the Romney Marsh & Rye region.
Salary: £30,000 – £34,000 (Grade 3) per annum dependant on experience plus 8% employer pension contribution
Hours: 22.2 hours per week (0.6 FTE)
Contract: 18 month fixed term post from January 2027 to June 2028
Job Purpose
- Lead the delivery of the Marsh Mallow Moth Species Recovery Programme (SRP) habitat creation activities on the East Sussex and East Kent border around Rye.
- Coordinate seeding and propagation of Marshmallow plants to add out into multiple new habitat areas through engagement with volunteers, plant nurseries and local community groups.
- Work closely with farm advisors, contractors and landowners to identify the most appropriate locations for new Marsh Mallow Moth habitat creation within the Romney Marsh target landscape, implement necessary works to make sites suitable prior to planting and ensure plans are put in place following planting for effective post-programme habitat maintenance legacy.
Main Responsibilities
- Lead and be responsible for the successful delivery of the habitat creation aspects of the Marsh Mallow Moth project, part of the Species Recovery Programme.
- Liaise with landowners, contractors, farmers, and community volunteers to create and restore habitat in the target region to provide safe havens for this moth species.
- Report on project activities to Species Recovery Programme staff every three months to demonstrate impact of the programme.
- Raise awareness of the plight of this species and their natural environment.
- Work within the project budget to ensure efficient spending towards objectives.
- Represent the project externally, liaising with project partners and coordinating with third parties (including landowners and contractors) to secure good engagement and support.
- Coordinate input from other specialists within BC and partner organisations where required.
General
- Promote BC’s values (Excellence, Passionate, Inspiring, Collaborative) ensuring they are adopted in all aspects of the role.
- Undertake any other reasonable duties as required and commensurate with the grade of post.
- Undertake all duties and responsibilities in compliance with the rules and regulations encompassing equal opportunities to help foster a diverse workforce.
- Work in accordance with BC’s policies, procedures, and codes of conduct.
- Actively participate in on-going professional development activities.
We reserve the right to close the vacancy early before the advertised closing date and time.
Closing date: 6 November 2026, 12pm.
Online Interviews will be held on 23 November 2026.
Please mention Jobs With Animals when applying for this role.