Project Officer

Job title:

Project Officer

Company

Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

Job description

RBG Kew is looking to appoint a Project Officer. The position will support the delivery of a project funded by the UK Government through the Illegal Wildlife Trade Challenge Fund that aims to develop understanding and techniques to help counter the illegal trade in Southern African succulent plants, which is occurring at a rate that threatens many species with extinction in the wild. The post-holder will be involved in multidisciplinary research, including a detailed evaluation of online trade in threatened plant species, and the application of wildlife forensic methodologies to succulent plants through the creation of novel workflows.

This is an exciting opportunity to be involved in wildlife trade research to help tackle a serious threat to Southern Africa’s unique plant biodiversity and inform strategies to improve the transparency and sustainability of trade in these highly threatened species.

Hours of work

Full time

Contract Type

Fixed Term (FTA)

Contract end date

9 months (possibility of extension until 12 months, subject to funding)

Salary

£30,200 per annum pro rata

Directorate

Science

Location

Kew Gardens, Richmond, Hybrid

Closing Date

19/02/2024

Documents

(PDF, 1924.01kb)
(PDF, 142.52kb)

More details

This project is key to Kew’s conservation policy research which complements the strategic outputs of Kew’s science strategy with regards to policy. The post holder will be responsible for providing technical support for project’s research activities, including an analysis of online trade in threatened plant species using AI search tools, and the laboratory testing of living plant material to establish plant provenance. They will also contribute to high quality written reports and publications with the project team. This research will be key to Kew’s ability to deliver the outputs of the project with regards to online trade and the testing of plants specimens respectively.

With a BSc or MSc in conservation/environmental or natural sciences (or other relevant professional experience), our ideal candidate will be highly organised, self-motivated, and able to manage competing priorities to deliver to tight deadlines. With an understanding of the varied challenges involved in countering the illegal wildlife trade, they will be comfortable working across a range of disciplines, combining detailed data analysis with an ability to communicate fluently with a wide range of audiences and stakeholders.

This role is based at Kew with the option of regular home working, subject to operational requirements.

The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (RBG Kew) is a leading plant science institute, UNESCO World Heritage Site, and major visitor attraction. Our mission is to understand and protect plants and fungi for the well-being of people and the future of all life on Earth.

We are working to end the unprecedented extinction crisis and to help create a world where nature is protected, valued by all and managed sustainably. We will achieve these goals by drawing on our leading scientific research, unrivalled collections of plants and fungi, global network of partners, inspirational gardens at Kew and Wakehurst, and our 260 years of history.

Join us on our journey as protectors of the world’s plants and fungi.

The salary will be £30,200 per annum pro-rata.

It is anticipated that interviews for this role will be held in the week commencing Monday 26th February 2024.

Our fantastic benefits package includes opportunities for continuous learning, a generous annual leave entitlement, flexible working to help you maintain a healthy work-life balance, an Employee Assistance Programme and other wellbeing support such as cycle to work scheme and discounted gym membership. We also offer a competitive pension, an employee discount scheme and free entry into a wide range of national museums and galleries, as well access to our own beautiful gardens at Kew and Wakehurst.

If you are interested in this position, please submit your application through the online portal, by clicking “Apply for this job”.

We are dedicated to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from all sections of the community. We are committed to interviewing disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the post.

No agencies please.

Expected salary

£30200 per year

Location

Kew, Greater London – Richmond, Greater London

Job date

Thu, 01 Feb 2024 05:24:44 GMT

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