Job opportunities

Species Survival Officer (Cats)

Species Survival Officer (Cats)

Location: The Big Cat Sanctuary, Headcorn, Kent, TN27 8PJ (hybrid working available)

Type: Permanent, Full-Time, 40 hours per week, Monday–Friday 08:00–17:00

Reports to: Cameron Whitnall (Managing Director), Lynn Whitnall (Director/Trustee), Adam Terrington (Commercial and Operational Manager), and Andrea Dempsey (IUCN SSC Centre of Species Survival Coordinator and The Big Cat Sanctuary Conservation Officer)

Salary: Dependent on skills and experience

Positions available: Two

About the Role: The Big Cat Sanctuary, in partnership with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and its Species Survival Commission (SSC), is seeking two Species Survival Officers to support and expand global conservation efforts, specifically with small and big wild cats. Based within the Centre for Species Survival at The Big Cat Sanctuary, these roles will work closely with the IUCN Cat Specialist Group to implement IUCN’s “Assess–Plan–Act” model, to inform and coordinate species conservation priorities through species assessment, planning, and action mobilisation.
This is a unique opportunity to engage directly with expert networks, NGOs, government bodies, and conservation specialists to deliver tangible results for cat species conservation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Implement and support conservation assessments, planning, and action projects in line with the Centre’s work plan
• Coordinate efforts with IUCN SSC groups, external partners, and partners
• Deliver and undertake training in IUCN SSC tools (e.g. Red List, Green Status, Conservation Planning)
• Develop a comprehensive education and training programme for future cat conservation specialists
• Facilitate workshops, campaigns, and partner meetings using best-practice tools
• Promote conservation outcomes through public engagement (e.g. social media, blogs, podcasts)
• Support reporting, data entry, and the Centre’s communication efforts
• Contribute to strategy development, fundraising, and capacity-building

Your Skills & Experience:

Essential

• Minimum Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g. conservation biology, ecology, zoology)
• 2+ years' relevant experience in conservation or related fields
• Strong project management and partner engagement skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, communication platforms (Teams, Zoom), and data tools
• Fluent in English; strong communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills
• Ability to travel and work flexibly
• In line with the Asylum and Immigaration Act 1996, all applicants must be eligible to live and work in the UK. Documented evidence of eligibility will be required as part of the recruitment process

Desirable

• Knowledge of the IUCN SSC network and tools
• Experience in proposal writing or fundraising
• Multilingual or international partner engagement experience
• Familiarity with GIS tools (e.g., ArcMap, QGIS) or willingness to learn