At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage diverse habitats and lead a team to promote nature recovery.
- Company: Join Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, a grassroots movement for nature's recovery.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, pension scheme, and employee assistance programme.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic role that makes a real impact on local wildlife and communities.
- Qualifications: Experience in habitat management and land management techniques is essential.
- Other info: We value diversity and encourage applications from underrepresented communities.
Salary: £28,000 to £29,460 gross per annum
Location: Curdridge, Southampton, Hampshire, SO32 2DP
Permanent Contract
Full Time 35 Hours per Week
Closing date: 28 April 2025
Interviews: 07 May 2025
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust is a grassroots movement working for nature's recovery and to bring people closer to nature. Our vision for a wilder future is beautiful and vital! We are seeking a Reserves Officer (Solent) to join our cause. As part of the Solent Team, this post is crucial to the successful delivery of the Trust's Wilder vision for the southern Hampshire sites.
The post holder will share the responsibility for the management of the Solent reserves with an Assistant Reserves Officer. The reserves encompass a wide range of habitat types and species and includes two flagship reserves, Farlington Marshes and Swanwick Lakes. Candidates will need to have experience in a wide range of habitat management techniques, including wetland and grazing marsh.
Key aspects of the role will be to manage the estate to a high standard in line with contractual and statutory obligations and promoting the Trust Reserves as exemplars of good management. The post holder will be responsible for the line management of the Assistant Reserves Officer and annual Trainee, for the recruitment and supervision of volunteers and will coordinate a varied programme of volunteering and public engagement activities.
This is a challenging and dynamic role that requires a high degree of practical competency, initiative, determination, administrative skills and diplomacy. The post holder will be an experienced land manager, competent in the use of power tools and tractors with a confident and engaging communication style. Knowledge of conservation grazing systems and livestock husbandry will be an advantage. Flexible working will be required.
As an inclusive employer we recognise that our workforce needs to better reflect the communities in which we live and work. We encourage applications from all sections of the community, particularly those underrepresented within our sector, including people from black, Asian, minority ethnic backgrounds and people with disabilities. We are committed to creating a Movement that recognises and truly values individual differences and identities.
We are proudly a Disability Confident Committed employer. The scheme is helping us recruit and retain great people to meet our workforce needs. As a member of the scheme, we interview anyone with a disability whose application meets the essential criteria for the role. You can request this and adjustments including accessible formats of this vacancy by contacting us.
We offer a wide range of benefits including a competitive salary, generous annual leave allowance, a contributory pension scheme, life assurance, learning and development support, 24-hour access to our employee assistance programme, discounted staff travel with our corporate partners Wightlink (subject to T&Cs) and more.
To apply for the role, please click on the 'Apply Now' button at the top of the page. In the supporting information section, you'll need to demonstrate, with detailed examples, how you meet the job requirements using the Job Description and Recruitment Pack below. Please note that we may occasionally close vacancies early when we have received enough applications that meet the required criteria.
Please do not use artificial intelligence tools to assist you to complete the application form. We may not accept applications that have been completed utilising AI tools. If you would usually use tools such as these to assist you in filling in a form, please contact us to discuss this further and understand other options.
Reserves Officer (Solent) employer: Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust
Contact Detail:
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Reserves Officer (Solent)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific habitats and species found in the Solent reserves. Understanding the unique ecological aspects of Farlington Marshes and Swanwick Lakes will help you demonstrate your knowledge during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your practical skills by discussing any relevant experience with power tools, tractors, or habitat management techniques. Be prepared to provide examples of how you've successfully managed land or worked with volunteers in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Highlight your communication skills by preparing to discuss how you've engaged with the public or coordinated volunteer activities. This role requires diplomacy and the ability to inspire others, so think of specific instances where you've excelled in these areas.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust's mission and values. Being able to articulate how your personal values align with their vision for a wilder future will make a strong impression during the interview process.
We think you need these skills to ace Reserves Officer (Solent)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the key responsibilities and requirements for the Reserves Officer position. Make notes on how your experience aligns with their needs.
Tailor Your Supporting Information: In the supporting information section, provide detailed examples of your experience in habitat management, volunteer coordination, and land management. Use specific situations to demonstrate your skills and competencies.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Emphasise your practical skills, such as using power tools and tractors, as well as your knowledge of conservation grazing systems. Mention any relevant qualifications or training that support your application.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application to ensure there are no spelling or grammatical errors. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust
✨Know Your Habitats
Familiarise yourself with the various habitat types and species that the Solent reserves encompass. Be prepared to discuss your experience in habitat management techniques, particularly wetland and grazing marsh.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As the role involves line management of the Assistant Reserves Officer and Trainee, highlight your previous leadership experiences. Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed teams or volunteers in the past.
✨Demonstrate Practical Competency
Be ready to talk about your hands-on experience with power tools and tractors. If you have knowledge of conservation grazing systems and livestock husbandry, make sure to mention it as it will be advantageous.
✨Engage with Communication
The role requires a confident and engaging communication style. Prepare to discuss how you've effectively communicated with diverse groups, whether in public engagement activities or team settings.