Tees Estuary Nursery Technical Lead

 Tees Estuary Nursery Technical Lead

Salary: £35,000 – £37,500
Location: Hartlepool

Job Description

About the Role

The Tees Rivers Trust is delivering an exciting programme of work to restore vital habitats
and reintroduce native estuarine species across the Tees Estuary. We are seeking a Nursery
Technical Lead to help drive this pioneering initiative forward.

Based at our nursery site in Hartlepool, you will play a central role in managing and
expanding the Trust’s recirculatory aquaculture systems and supporting the husbandry of
key species such as native oysters and seagrass. This is a highly practical, hands-on position
suited to someone who enjoys being outdoors, thrives in small teams, and has a natural flair
for technical problem-solving.

Key Purpose of the Role

To lead the day-to-day operation of the estuary nursery, ensuring high-quality husbandry,
efficient technical management, and safe, compliant site operations that support the
restoration of the Tees Estuary’s natural ecosystems.

Main Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

•

Lead the daily running of nursery systems for seagrass, native oysters, and other
estuarine species.

•  Oversee construction, maintenance, and operation of the recirculatory aquaculture

system.

•  Manage site access, compliance processes, technical maintenance schedules, and all

on-site safety requirements.

•  Act as the Designated Health & Safety Officer, ensuring continuous compliance and

promoting a positive safety culture.

Technical & Practical Duties

•  Troubleshoot and maintain nursery production systems, pumps, filters, and plumbing

components.

•  Carry out all aspects of seagrass husbandry including preparation, growing,

harvesting, and ongoing care.

•  Conduct regular inspections, routine maintenance, and system checks to ensure

optimal performance.

Project Support

•  Support the Project Manager in planning, reporting, and contractor management.

•  Maintain working relationships with permitting bodies, licensing authorities, and

external stakeholders.

•  Work to agreed timelines and budgets, ensuring the project’s objectives are met

efficiently and effectively.

Compliance & Standards

•  Ensure all work adheres to the Trust’s policies on Equality, Non-Discrimination,

Safeguarding, Environment, and Health & Safety.

•  Contribute to a culture of high standards, innovation, and practical, solution-focused

thinking.

Experience & Knowledge

Essential

We’re looking for someone who brings solid, hands-on experience and a practical understanding of
what it takes to deliver high-quality marine conservation work. You should have:

•  At  least  five years’  experience  delivering  marine  conservation or  research  projects,  ideally

within a small, close-knit team.

•

Strong practical competence in installing, operating, and maintaining pumps, filters, and basic
plumbing systems—confidence and problem-solving ability in these areas are key.

•  A good working knowledge of Health & Safety legislation, and how to apply it effectively in

day-to-day operations.

•  The right to work in the UK (proof will be required before interview).

Desirable

•  Experience navigating permits, licences, and consents for environmental or marine works.

•  Previous work within protected or designated sites, and an understanding of the sensitivities

involved.

Communication Skills

Essential

•

Strong  interpersonal  skills,  with  the  ability  to  engage  confidently  and  respectfully  with
colleagues, partners, and stakeholders from a variety of backgrounds.

•  Proven ability to build and maintain effective working relationships, both within the Trust and

with external organisations.

Desirable

•  Ability to produce clear, accurate technical reports, and present findings in a professional and

engaging way.

Self-Management

Essential

•  The  ability  to  work  independently,  recognising  and  resolving  routine  system  issues  with

confidence.

•  A pragmatic, solutions-focused approach to everyday challenges.

•  Excellent  organisational  skills  and  the  motivation  to  drive  work  forward  with  minimal

supervision.

•  The ability to work under pressure, manage tight deadlines, and prioritise effectively.

•  A willingness to work hard in a physically demanding, hands-on environment.

Personal Attributes

Essential

•  A  genuine  passion  for  conservation  and  ecology,  and  a  desire  to  contribute  to  meaningful

environmental restoration.

•  Enthusiasm for working outdoors in all weather—sun, rain, and everything in between.

•  A flexible, adaptable mindset with a talent for finding creative, practical solutions.

•  A full driving licence and access to a vehicle for work purposes.

•  Comfort with lone working when required.

•  Willingness to work occasional evenings or weekends to support project needs.