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- Tasks: Help manage and restore beautiful nature reserves while gaining hands-on conservation experience.
- Company: Join a passionate team dedicated to putting nature into recovery in East Berkshire.
- Benefits: Receive extensive training, certifications, and the chance to work outdoors with wildlife.
- Why this job: Perfect for nature lovers wanting to build skills and make a real impact in conservation.
- Qualifications: Must be enthusiastic, physically fit, and have a full UK driving license.
- Other info: Commit to three days a week for 12 months, starting March 2025.
Imagine waking up in a morning and being able to help with the management and restoration of some of our most beautiful nature reserves, where no two days are the same.
Working with a skilled and knowledgeable East Berkshire team of employees, volunteers and other trainees delivering a programme of works across our East Berks reserves, from heathland habitats boasting adders, dartford warblers and nightjars which can be seen at Wildmoor Heath, Padworth Common and Broadmoor.
There are the ancient woodlands of Moor Copse where you will find hazel dormice benefitting from traditional woodland management techniques, and an array of butterflies feeding in the rich floodplain meadows along the River Pang.
We work alongside our livestock of Dexter Cows, Beulah and Hebridean sheep who all graze our sites.
Purpose of this role:
To assist the Reserve Officer with the management of the heathland, woodland and floodplain meadow habitats.
To gain the necessary certified qualifications and experience to land a conservation role after one year of training.
Type of work and experience gained:
Develop your skills assisting with the care and management of our Livestock of sheep and cattle, including regular stock checks, moving stock around the site and habitat grazing management
Develop your habitat conservation knowledge through working with the team on work parties, such as heathland birch removal, holly thinning in woodland and bracken control
Develop skills on how to maintain site infrastructure and boundary fences
Progress to leading regular volunteer groups on habitat management works
Learn about hand tools and their uses for practical tasks and maintenance
Chance to undertake machinery qualifications and training for chainsaw
Improve your species ID skills with training days with the ecology team
Assisting visitor engagement with guided walks and events
Conservation is a competitive field, and it can be hard to show that you have the experience needed to land your first job. If you have a real desire to work in this rewarding and satisfying field, but need to boost your skills and experience, a volunteer Wildlife Trainee position with BBOWT may be the perfect role for you.
With a mix of hands-on experience, role-specific training, and qualifications, our traineeships have a long track record of success in preparing trainees to get into paid employment. Directly moving into roles such as Assistant Reserve Officer a Wildlife Trust, Warden at RSPB and Ranger positions in local authorities.
Who you are:
Dedicated and passionate about joining our mission to put nature into recovery.
Keen to learn and develop with a can-do approach, whatever the weather!
Happy to get hands-on with power tools and machinery.
Team player, able to work collaboratively and inclusively whilst building excellent working relationships.
Full of energy and enthusiasm to motivate and lead teams of volunteers (training provided).
What you’ll have:
A passion for helping nature and being outdoors.
A positive attitude.
A good level of physical fitness and strength.
Problem solving skills and able to use your own initiative.
Good communication skills
Full, manual UK car driving licence with at least one years’ experience.
Ideally some experience of working or volunteering doing outdoor work.
Time Commitment:
Three days a week for 12 months: Tuesday – Thursday 8:30 – 16:30
A substantial amount of training and experience is provided including externally certified training in:
Outdoor First Aid Level 2 plus Forestry,
BORDA Basic 4×4 Driving
NPTC Level 2 Award in Chainsaw: Cross-cutting, Maintenance & Felling Trees up to 380mm.
In addition to this, a programme of in-house training is provided including:
Leading Practical Groups
Tool Maintenance
Brush cutter use and maintenance
Driver awareness
Ecology Surveying Days Out
Expenses payable:
Limited travel expenses available for travel from home to Woolley Firs.
Recruitment Timelines:
Closing date: Thursday 23rd January 23:59
Provisional Interview date: Wednesday 5th February
When you will be asked to start: 1st or 2nd Week of March 2025
Days we ask you to be available: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, 8.30am – 4.30pm.
For further information please follow the links below to the role descriptions and if you would like an informal chat about any of these opportunities, please contact Joseph Bristow
This trainee role will be DBS checked at basic level.
Volunteer Nature Reserves Trainee - East Berkshire 2025 employer: Berkshire, Buckinghamshire & Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust
Contact Detail:
Berkshire, Buckinghamshire & Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Volunteer Nature Reserves Trainee - East Berkshire 2025
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the specific habitats and species mentioned in the job description, such as heathland, ancient woodlands, and floodplain meadows. This knowledge will not only help you during the interview but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Engage with local conservation groups or volunteer organizations before applying. This can provide you with valuable hands-on experience and demonstrate your commitment to conservation work, making you a more attractive candidate.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your teamwork and leadership skills, as these are crucial for this role. Think of examples from past experiences where you successfully collaborated with others or led a group, even if it was in a different context.
✨Tip Number 4
Show enthusiasm for learning new skills, especially those related to outdoor work and conservation techniques. Be ready to express your eagerness to undertake the training opportunities offered in the role, such as chainsaw qualifications and ecology surveying.
We think you need these skills to ace Volunteer Nature Reserves Trainee - East Berkshire 2025
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Nature: In your application, make sure to express your dedication and enthusiasm for conservation and working outdoors. Highlight any relevant experiences that demonstrate your commitment to helping nature.
Tailor Your CV: Customize your CV to reflect the skills and experiences that align with the role. Emphasize any outdoor work or volunteering experience, as well as your ability to work in a team and lead groups.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also conveys your personality and eagerness to learn. Mention specific aspects of the role that excite you and how you can contribute to the team.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Make sure to include any relevant skills such as problem-solving, communication, and physical fitness. If you have experience with power tools or machinery, be sure to mention it, as this is a key aspect of the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Berkshire, Buckinghamshire & Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust
✨Show Your Passion for Nature
Make sure to express your genuine enthusiasm for conservation and the outdoors. Share any personal experiences or projects that highlight your dedication to helping nature recover.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork Skills
Since this role involves working closely with a team, be prepared to discuss examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in previous roles or volunteer positions.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
Even if you don't have direct experience, mention any outdoor work or volunteering you've done. Talk about what you learned and how it relates to the responsibilities of the trainee position.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
Expect questions about your problem-solving skills and ability to use initiative. Think of scenarios where you've had to overcome challenges, especially in outdoor or team settings.
