About the job

Job summary

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.

Job description

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.

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.

Person specification

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.

Benefits

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.

Things you need to know

Selection process details

To apply for this role, please submit your application through the Kew Gardens website.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check. People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window). The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.