As part of a team of trainees within the nature reserves team, you will assist in nature reserve management across a variety of habitats including heathlands, woodlands, meadows and wetlands. The role will involve habitat management using a variety of tools, installing and repairing reserve infrastructure, such as boardwalks and bird hides, driving off-road vehicles and machinery, species surveying and specialist management as well as working with and supervising volunteers in a variety of practical conservation tasks. 

• Five placements from early April to the end of the following March

Applications for the next round of placements typically open in January or February each year. Please keep an eye on our jobs page for further updates.

The role

Purpose of the role

To assist the reserves team with the management of nature reserves across Worcestershire and to assist other departments within the Trust on small projects

The role is intended to provide the experience and skills necessary to pursue a career in UK wildlife conservation. 

Role benefits

• The placements are unpaid but a structured personal budget is available to cover externally certified training in first aid, brush-cutter and chainsaw. Some costs for personal equipment and expenses towards interest-specific courses will also be covered.
• The opportunity to learn the theory and practice of reserve management from a friendly and knowledgeable team of reserve officers and volunteers
• Gain hands-on experience of practical conservation and develop relevant skills
• Work with other departments within the Trust to gain a wealth of knowledge and experience

Key activity areas:   

• Habitat management tasks on woodlands, wetlands, meadows, heathland and grassland using a variety of tools and techniques
• Practical reserve management including the repair and installation of site infrastructure such as bird hides, signs, gates, boardwalks, fences and footpath maintenance
• Supervising volunteers in practical reserve management and habitat management tasks on reserves
• Training in the use of chainsaws, brush-cutters, Wildlife Trust vehicles and trailers
• Assisting other departments with admin duties such as conducting surveys, analysing survey data and generating social media content
• Additional opportunities to assist with events, guided walks and wildlife surveys, some of which may be outside of core working hours

Experience and/or qualifications needed (requirements)

Essential 

• Aged 18 or over at the start of the traineeship
• Eligible to live and work in the UK  (we are unable to offer sponsorship for Visa or similar)
• Enthusiasm for UK wildlife/conservation and ambition to pursue a career in the land-based sector
• A good level of physical fitness and strength, sufficient to access and carry out practical work on a variety of sites and ground conditions
• Willing and able to work outdoors in all weather
• Willing and able to use power tools such as mowers, brush-cutters and chainsaws
• Ability to work with a range of people from different age groups and backgrounds
• A desire to learn and develop practical skills
• Good team working and ability to work towards shared goals
• Ability to plan and organise own time and be punctual and reliable
• Ability to commit to the full 12-month traineeship

Desirable 

• Full clean UK driving license and willingness and ability to drive Wildlife Trust vehicles
• Good IT skills
• Experience of working with hand and/or power tools
• Ability to travel to locations where and when trainee activities and & training are based (usually Lower Smite Farm but may be sites across Worcestershire or nearby counties)

Times/days we would like you to be available

• Three days a week working core hours of 8.30am – 4.30pm on Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday for 12 months from early April – late March, excluding agreed leave
• Occasional out of hours, evening and weekend events as agreed

Responsible to

Practical Land Management Officer

We’re Wild About Inclusion

To us, this means inspiring, empowering and engaging people from all backgrounds, cultures, identities and abilities, to change the natural world for the better.  It also means cultivating inclusive workspaces that are free from discrimination, where differences are valued, everyone can be themselves and flourish, just like nature!