Principal Research Officer – Environmental Economics

This is a 3 year fixed term contract.

WWT is seeking an environmental economist to lead on a portfolio of work that builds an
evidence-based case for the ecosystem services and natural capital benefits of wetlands in the
UK and overseas.

The Role

• Will help identify opportunities for natural capital investment for wetland restoration and
  assess the costs to society of wetland degradation.
• A substantial element of the role will involve leading an economics research programme
  required for a new ground-breaking multi-million pound saltmarsh restoration project with a
  focus on valuing the multiple benefits that saltmarshes provide for people and environment,
  from health & wellbeing and flood mitigation, to carbon storage and biodiversity.
• Findings will be used to encourage policy decision-makers and other stakeholders across the
  environmental and business sectors to invest in wetlands via WWT initiatives such as the
  All-Party Parliamentary Group for Wetlands and the Blue Recovery Leaders Group.
• Working with WWT colleagues across the Conservation and Communications Directorates as well
  as with external project partners, to disseminate outputs through publications, advocacy
  campaigns, presentations and events.

This is an incredibly exciting time to work in wetland conservation. Increased awareness of
nature-based solutions to the nature and climate crises has brought new opportunities for
wetland restoration. In line with this, WWT has an ambition to create and restore 100,000
hectares of wetland in the UK.

WWT’s success is built upon an evidence-based approach. The role will sit within the
Conservation Evidence Department which is a vibrant, multidisciplinary team of passionate
scientists. The department currently employs 26 staff, having doubled in size since 2021. We
work in collaboration with multiple NGO and academic partners across the UK and overseas. We
aim high: our small team has published over 80 scientific papers in the last 3 years – and our
ambition is growing. Above all, we have impact: At WWT you can put your research in front of
the right people at the right time. Our research diagnoses problems and identifies solutions,
and in doing so we shape policy and action for wetland conservation. We look forward to talking
to you and are pleased that you are considering joining our team.

About You

You will have specialist skills in environmental economics, including valuation methods for
market and non-market goods and measuring the economic benefits associated with investments in
natural capital, an understanding of sound scientific methods as well as excellent
paper-writing and data management skills. You have a good understanding of environmental
markets and how they work and knowledge of international biodiversity conservation issues. You
are an excellent team worker, problem solver and strong communicator. You hold a PhD or
equivalent experience (for example, significant experience undertaking high quality economics
work) in an economics subject, and are familiar with leading, designing and delivering
scientific research projects.

If this sounds like you, this is a unique opportunity to join our growing team and help deliver
our vision of a world where healthy wetland nature thrives and enriches lives.

WWT is a conservation charity that conserves, restores and creates wetlands for the benefit of
wildlife and people. With headquarters at Slimbridge, Gloucestershire, we have 10 UK wetland
centres around the four nations of the UK. In this country, our conservation programmes are
driven by the ambition of seeing 100,000 ha of wetland restored or created by 2050. We also
work internationally in wetland hotspots, such as Madagascar and Cambodia, balancing
conservation with sustainable livelihoods.

In return for your hard work and dedication, you will enjoy a wide range of benefits
including:

• 33 days annual leave including bank holidays increasing to 38 days after 5 years’ service
• Contributory pension scheme (conditions apply)
• Life assurance
• Free car parking and secure bike storage areas
• Cycle to work scheme
• Free entry to all our centres

Closing date: 10th March 2024

Interview date: 21st March 2024

WWT is an equal opportunities employer and all applications will be considered solely on merit.