Job Summary
Job Title: Forestry and Ecological Restoration Technician
Job Location: Lisbon, Portugal – Hybrid | 2 days in-office and 3 days remote per week
Organization: WWF Portugal
Contract: 1-year fixed-term contract, with possibility of renewal
Start Date: October 15, 2026
Salary: €1,350–€1,400 gross per month
Closing Date: September 25, 2026
About WWF Portugal
WWF Portugal is seeking a Forestry and Ecological Restoration Technician to support its Terrestrial Conservation team in implementing, monitoring, and following up on ecological restoration and nature conservation projects across Portugal.
The successful candidate will contribute to projects involving ecological restoration, habitat management, invasive species control, fire risk reduction, ecological monitoring, and restoration of agroforestry areas.
The role involves regular fieldwork, environmental data collection and analysis, technical reporting, GIS work, stakeholder engagement, and collaboration with WWF teams, project partners, funders, and public and private organizations.
Key Projects
The Forestry and Ecological Restoration Technician will support several conservation initiatives, including:
D-EVOLUTION
An ecological restoration initiative with a particular focus on projects in Portugal’s Southern region.
Inditex
Projects focused on habitat management, fire risk reduction, and payments for ecosystem services to shepherds in Natura 2000 Network areas, including the Serra de Aire e Candeeiros and Montejunto mountain ranges.
Mata do Valado
Restoration and invasive species control activities following the impacts of the 2026 storms.
Caldeirão Restore
Ecological restoration and monitoring activities in the Serra do Caldeirão.
Future Projects
Additional restoration initiatives are expected to focus on agroforestry areas in the Alentejo region.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
The successful candidate will support WWF Portugal’s Terrestrial Conservation team with the implementation, monitoring, and follow-up of project activities.
Key responsibilities will include:
- Supporting the preparation of Terms of Reference for ecological restoration activities.
- Contributing to projects involving invasive alien species control, selective vegetation management, planting, natural regeneration, and other habitat management interventions.
- Conducting field visits, particularly across Central and Southern Portugal.
- Monitoring and supervising ecological restoration interventions.
- Supporting ecological monitoring activities within project areas.
- Conducting field surveys and collecting environmental data.
- Recording information relating to habitats, species, crop survival, fire risk reduction, and other restoration indicators.
- Organizing and analyzing monitoring data to evaluate the progress and effectiveness of restoration activities.
- Supporting the preparation of technical reports and cartographic information.
- Working with WWF colleagues, project partners, and funders on technical project information.
Other Responsibilities
The role will also involve:
- Supporting engagement with relevant local and regional stakeholders.
- Helping organize and conduct technical visits, workshops, volunteer activities, and other project events.
- Supporting the development of new ecological restoration project proposals.
- Assisting with applications for public and private funding.
- Collaborating with Communications, Fundraising, Conservation and Policy teams to prepare technical content.
- Working with other WWF Portugal teams and WWF network members when required.
- Supporting additional Conservation and Policy activities as needed.
Skills and Qualifications
Applicants should have:
- A pre-Bologna Bachelor’s degree or post-Bologna Master’s degree in a relevant field such as:
- Forestry Engineering
- Biology
- Environmental Engineering
- Ecology
- Natural Resource Management
- Landscape Architecture
- Geography
- A related discipline
- Up to 3 years of professional experience in ecological restoration, nature conservation, habitat management, forestry, ecological monitoring, or related fields.
- Experience with fieldwork and environmental data collection, organization, and analysis.
- Knowledge of Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
- Experience with QGIS is preferred.
- Knowledge of ecological monitoring methodologies and restoration evaluation is an advantage.
- Experience preparing technical reports and/or project proposals in Portuguese and English.
- Knowledge of Portugal’s National Nature Restoration Plan.
- Knowledge of habitat typologies within the Natura 2000 Network.
- Knowledge of Management Plans for Conservation Areas (CAZs) in Portugal.
- Good spoken and written Portuguese and English.
- Ability to work independently and within a multidisciplinary team.
- Strong organizational and planning skills.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and projects.
- Good communication and interpersonal skills.
- Willingness to travel frequently within Portugal.
- A valid driver’s license.
- Alignment with WWF’s mission and values of Courage, Integrity, Respect, and Collaboration.
Experience working or volunteering with an NGO will be considered an advantage.
Contract and Working Conditions
The position offers a 1-year fixed-term contract, with the possibility of renewal.
The expected start date is October 15, 2026.
The successful candidate will be based at WWF Portugal’s headquarters in Lisbon under a hybrid working arrangement consisting of:
- 2 days per week working in person.
- 3 days per week working remotely.
The gross monthly salary is €1,350 to €1,400, depending on the candidate’s qualifications and professional experience.
The position reports to the Terrestrial Conservation and Agriculture Coordinator.
Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement
The successful candidate will work closely with WWF Portugal’s Conservation and Policy team, Communications and Fundraising teams, and other relevant departments.
The role also involves engagement with WWF network members at European and international levels.
Externally, the technician will interact with organizations and stakeholders involved in the projects, including:
- ICNF (Institute for Nature Conservation and Forests)
- Municipalities
- Intermunicipal communities
- Landowners and land managers
- Companies
- Scientific and academic institutions
- Service providers
- Local organizations
- Other relevant public and private stakeholders
How to Apply
Applications should be sent to jramiao@wwf.pt by September 25, 2026.
Candidates should ensure their application demonstrates relevant experience in ecological restoration, forestry, conservation, environmental monitoring, GIS, and fieldwork, where applicable.
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