Reserves Officer - seasonal contract Oct - March

Do you possess a passion to enthuse others about nature and have experience in leading volunteer groups in conservation and site management?

If so, we would love you to join our Reserves Management team.

The Reserves Officer position is a diverse, varied role. Largely working outdoors, no two days will be the same. This includes leading volunteers and working with contractors to ensure required works across our land are undertaken in line with approved management plans whilst meeting our statutory and contractual obligations. Reserves officers work together across three geographical areas (with interesting and diverse habitats) to manage projects/contractors and create links with local communities. Therefore, an ability to adapt and manage a diverse portfolio of work is essential. As a Reserves Officer, you’ll be working as part of a diverse team to meet conservation objectives, lead volunteer work parties, complete practical works, help out on events and develop your site management skills.

This role sits within our Central Team which covers a beautiful mix of sites which are predominantly chalk grassland. These sites are home to fascinating wildlife such as rare orchids, Chalkhill blue and Small blue butterflies. We are looking for someone who will be excited to work in these areas and improve them for these incredible species.

You must have some previous experience of successfully working with volunteers and the ability to inspire others in nature conservation. Knowledge and understanding of working to management plans and agri-environment schemes would be advantageous. An out-going, personable and friendly personality with the ability to work with a wide range of people is essential, coupled with a passion for the natural joy of nature. There is lots of opportunity for development and training, we want to get the right candidate for the role and will offer additional training where needed too.

This is a winter role, running to the new financial year but there may be scope to extend the role past that if funding can be secured.

A driving licence is essential as our locations cannot all be easily accessed by public transport.

We are committed to having an inclusive and diverse workplace and encourage applications from backgrounds which may be underrepresented in our sector, including people from minority ethnic backgrounds and people with disabilities.  We aim to offer an interview to all candidates that meet the essential criteria for the post. Please let us know if you require any adjustment to make our recruitment process more accessible; recruitment will be in person unless covid guidance recommends otherwise.

Please apply using the Application Form on our website to Katy Fielding, Conservation Manager – Central katy.fielding@surreywt.org.uk by midday on 30^th September 2022.

Surrey Wildlife Trust is one of 46 Wildlife Trusts across the UK, a grassroots movement working to protect and connect at least 30 per cent of land and sea for nature's recovery by 2030.