About us and what we do

Nestled on the stunning shores of Windermere in the heart of the Lake District, the Freshwater Biological Association is more than just a research organisation—it’s a mission-driven community dedicated to protecting and restoring the life of our rivers and lakes. Working here means being part of a team that combines science with a deep respect for nature, driving real-world impact for freshwater ecosystems.

At the heart of our work is our Species Recovery Centre, a unique facility where we carry out our vital science and conservation work. This centre is home to our pioneering efforts in freshwater pearl mussel conservation, a species on the brink of extinction. Through our exemplary captive breeding, research and conservation translocation programmes, we are giving these remarkable mussels a second chance, restoring populations on the brink of extinction and working with partners to safeguard the biodiversity of our rivers.

Our commitment doesn’t stop there. We lead an ambitious Arctic charr research and conservation programme, focusing on one of the UK’s most iconic and vulnerable fish species. By studying their ecology, genetics, and responses to multiple stressors, we aim to secure their future in our lakes. This work is not only scientifically exciting but vital for maintaining the health and heritage of freshwater ecosystems.

Looking ahead, we are determined to expand and innovate. Our vision is to grow the Species Recovery Centre into a hub of excellence for freshwater conservation, developing new techniques, forging partnerships, and training the next generation of scientists. We want to scale up our mussel and charr recovery work and explore restoration activities for other threatened species.

Working at the FBA means joining a passionate team where your expertise contributes directly to reversing biodiversity loss and shaping a sustainable future. The work we do makes a real difference, where the science we undertake is not just for the sake of it, but applied to heal the natural world.

About the role

The role will primarily involve managing the pearl mussel team and the range of projects related to freshwater pearl mussel conservation breeding and translocation at the FBA Species Recovery Centre (4 days/week). You will also have the opportunity (1 day/week) to support the expansion of our species recovery ambitions within the organisation, shaping projects and site infrastructure around your own interests where they align with the ambitions of the FBA and freshwater species recovery.

The Species Recovery Manager will make up part of the Senior Leadership Team of the FBA and be specifically tasked with:

Supported by the Head of Science, you will have overall responsibility for managing our well-established freshwater pearl mussel conservation breeding and translocation activities, including those of the EU LIFE-funded R4ever Kent project (LIFE20 NAT/UK/001013), tasked with releasing 4000 juveniles into the wild by 2029. Line management of team members (currently x2) and volunteers.
Continuing the excellent relationships with partners/funders and fostering new partnerships/collaborations, including timely reporting on project progress and budgetary responsibility.
Leading on and supporting bid-writing activities to ensure the project remains on a sustainable funding footing.
Overall responsibility for day-to-day Health & Safety and welfare of those working at/visiting our Species Recovery Centre, supported by the wider Senior Leadership Team.
Manage environmental and monitoring data acquisition and analysis to support the needs of the project.
Support the Head of Science in prioritising and securing additional nature/species recovery projects and with large-scale development of facilities at the Species Recovery Centre to create a fit-for-purpose centre for excellence for conservation of freshwater species.

About you and what you will do

We’re looking for a dynamic and passionate leader to take on a truly rewarding role at the Species Recovery Centre. This is your opportunity to combine exceptional organisational skills with a love for species conservation in a varied and fascinating role.

As the FBA lead for the EU LIFE-funded R4ever Kent project, you’ll play a pivotal role in supporting the R4ever Kent Programme Manager and wider project team to deliver FBA’s outcomes, and continue the exemplary conservation breeding work carried out by the Pearl Mussel Ark since 2007. You will be instrumental in shaping future species recovery projects which will expand our reach and amplify our impact. You’ll have the chance to influence strategy, innovate, and make a tangible difference for biodiversity.

Leadership with Purpose: You’ll manage and inspire a talented team, fostering a positive, collaborative environment where ideas thrive.
Relationship Builder: Your excellent people skills will help you maintain our strong partnerships and create collaborative networks which drive success.
Fundraising Champion: You’ll seize opportunities to secure resources that fuel our mission and ensure sustainability.
Visionary Contributor: With ambitious plans to redevelop our site, you’ll be integral to shaping a sustainable future for the Species Recovery Centre.
Clarity in Communication: You will possess exceptional interpersonal communication skills, both verbal and written, enabling you to clearly articulate ideas, strategies, and instructions to all stakeholders. Your clarity and professionalism build trust and alignment across diverse audiences.
Planning and organisation: You can juggle multiple tasks and can prioritise activities, tackling immediate challenges while keeping an eye on the bigger picture. Your foresight ensures sustainable success and adaptability.

Above all, we’re looking for a true team player—someone who values collaboration, supports colleagues, and is committed to achieving shared goals. If you’re ready to lead, innovate, and make a lasting impact on species recovery, we’d love to hear from you!

Essential skills:

Degree in biology/related subject
Demonstrable success and several years of project management and team leading experience.
Fostering strong and lasting relationships between a wide range of stakeholders including funders, partners, collaborators and researchers.
Experience of assessing and managing risk, carrying out risk assessments and ensuring Health and Safety measures are adhered to at all times.
Driver’s licence and access to own car.

Desirable skills:

Previous experience of endangered species conservation breeding /translocations, licencing and reporting.
Building/maintaining systems for conservation breeding.
A specialism in either a taxonomic group or biological field.

What do we offer?

Comprehensive training to obtain freshwater pearl mussel survey and translocation licences, plus other species as appropriate
Flexible working – remote and hybrid models with flexible working hours considered and TOIL policy in line with business needs
27.5 days leave/year, in addition to bank holidays, rising to 32.5 days/year after 5 years
Health & wellbeing programmes including cash plan and wellbeing support phone line
Life insurance – 3x salary
Contributory pension scheme
Professional development support

Additional Information

Weekend and holiday working is required (on a rota with other team members) as caring for live animals is a 365 days-a-year job. An additional salary uplift not detailed above is payable for this. The role is physical in its nature, so applicants need a good level of fitness, with some heavy lifting involved (training and PPE provided). Applicants should be comfortable working outdoors in all weather. Knowledge and experience of lone working and H&S protocols including weekend working would be an advantage. Driving licence and use of own car is required (expenses paid in line with travel and subsistence policy).

Our conservation work has links with similar projects world-wide and the FBA is part of the European Federation for Freshwater Sciences (EFFS) so there is the opportunity for international conference attendance and networking.

How to Apply

Please send a covering letter and CV to info@fba.org.uk, detailing why you would be the best candidate for this role. Consider the key tasks and essential skills when applying. The closing date for applications is 22 January with interviews anticipated for early February. Interviews will be held face-to-face at our Species Recovery Centre, Cumbria, where you will be able to talk to our staff and see the facilities and freshwater pearl mussel breeding programme first-hand.

If you would like an informal discussion about the role please email the Head of Science Dr. Louise Lavictoire, llavictoire@fba.org.uk.