At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage a 320-hectare nature reserve and engage with visitors through walks and talks.
- Company: Join WWT, a leader in wetland conservation since 1946.
- Benefits: Earn £13.07 per hour, enjoy free entry to wetland centres, and receive discounts.
- Other info: Flexible part-time hours with opportunities for personal growth and teamwork.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on wildlife conservation while working outdoors in a dynamic role.
- Qualifications: Experience in conservation, strong wildlife knowledge, and excellent communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 13.07 - 13.07 £ per hour.
WWT Slimbridge (Centre) South West
Closing date for applications is: 16th Aug 2026
Contact: Recruitment (recruitment@wwt.org.uk)
Sector: Education
Type: Paid
Contract type: Part-time
Salary: £13.07 per hour
About The Role
We are looking for a Reserve Warden to take a hands‑on role in managing our 320‑hectare nature reserve at WWT Slimbridge. Slimbridge is the birthplace of modern wetland conservation, founded by Sir Peter Scott in 1946, and remains a world‑renowned centre for wildlife and people. The reserve holds RAMSAR, SPA, SAC and SSSI designations and is internationally important for wetland habitats and species. You will be responsible for practical habitat management, ecological monitoring and maintaining reserve infrastructure such as paths, hides and water control structures. The role also includes leading and supporting volunteers, delivering engaging walks and talks, and creating content that connects people with wetlands. You'll be working outdoors in a varied role where no two days are the same, developing your conservation, species identification and visitor engagement skills while working alongside an experienced and passionate team. You’ll play a direct role in protecting wildlife, inspiring visitors and supporting WWT's mission to restore wetlands and unlock their power for people and nature. This is a casual position where hours are offered on an ad hoc basis. Candidates will need to be willing to work some weekends, bank holidays and during the school holidays.
About You
Our ideal candidate will bring:
- Conservation experience and wildlife knowledge – Experience working in a conservation, reserve management or land management setting, with strong bird identification skills and excellent field skills in at least one key wildlife group (such as birds, botany or invertebrates).
- Confident communicator and visitor engager – Experience delivering walks, talks or other public engagement activities, with the ability to inspire a wide range of audiences and create memorable visitor experiences.
- Practical and hands‑on approach – Able to carry out outdoor habitat management and reserve maintenance work, with good IT skills and a full UK driving licence.
- Team player with initiative – Experience supporting or supervising volunteers, with a positive attitude, enthusiasm for conservation and a commitment to helping deliver WWT's mission for wetlands and wildlife.
Please view the full job description for all the responsibilities and specifications for the role.
About Us
We’re WWT, and we’re on a mission to restore the super‑powered ecosystems we call wetlands. There’s never been a more important moment for our work, and we’ve got some phenomenal people on the case. Whether they’re taking a new visitor under their wing, or conducting ground‑breaking research further afield, our team are second to none. And there’s nothing we love more than watching them soar. Whatever you do here, you’ll be helping to restore wetlands and unlock their power. So, the only question left is, what role will you play?
Why you’ll love working at WWT
- Wake up every day knowing your work is helping to restore wetlands, and our world
- Be surrounded and inspired by our team of passionate, dedicated people
- Free entry to all our wetland centres, including your family
- Free car parking and secure bike storage areas
- Colleague discount on shopping and memberships
- Contributory pension scheme
WWT is an equal opportunities employer and all applications will be considered solely on merit.
Casual Reserve Warden employer: British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA)
The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) is an exceptional employer, offering a fulfilling role as a Storesperson at the iconic Edinburgh Zoo. With a strong commitment to wildlife conservation, RZSS fosters a supportive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing through generous benefits such as a competitive salary, extensive annual leave, and access to a healthcare plan. Employees also enjoy unique perks like free entry to both the Highland Wildlife Park and Edinburgh Zoo, making it a rewarding place to grow professionally while contributing to a meaningful mission.
Contact Details:
British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Casual Reserve Warden
✨Get Involved with Local Environmental Groups
Connect with local environmental groups and organisations that focus on sustainability and engineering. These communities often have job boards, networking events, and volunteer opportunities that can lead to part-time positions like the one we want to land together at British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA).
✨Showcase Your Passion Through Projects
Working on environmental projects, whether it’s personal or for a community initiative, can showcase your skills and passion. Consider creating a digital portfolio or blog that highlights your contributions and learnings in environmental engineering tech; it’s a great way to stand out when applying for that part-time role!
✨Visit University Career Fairs
If you’re still studying, make the most of career fairs at your university. Many firms, including British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA), actively scout for part-time interns there. It’s a golden opportunity to meet recruiters face-to-face and show them why you’re the right fit for their team right off the bat!
✨Leverage Online Platforms
Join online platforms that cater to environmental engineering jobs, like specialised job boards or forums. These channels help you not only find part-time gigs but also interact with professionals in the field. Plus, you can share your own insights and get noticed—just remember to direct them to your application on our website!
We think you need these skills to ace Casual Reserve Warden
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Technical Skills:In the environmental engineering tech field, it’s super important to showcase your technical abilities. Make sure to include specific skills related to software and technologies relevant to this sector, like CAD programs or environmental modelling tools. This is especially key for a part-time role like Casual Reserve Warden at British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA), where practical skills can really set you apart!
Show Off Relevant Projects:Think about any hands-on projects or research you’ve done that showcase your problem-solving abilities in environmental engineering. Whether it’s a university project or a side gig, including a brief overview of these in your CV can grab attention. A part-time role means they might need you to hit the ground running, so demonstrating experience is a must.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for environmental issues and how they align with the mission of British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA). Be sure to express your desire to contribute part-time, highlighting your motivation and willingness to learn. Let’s face it, a genuine enthusiasm for the field can go a long way in making you stand out!
Include Your Availability:When applying for a part-time role, it’s super helpful to mention your availability directly in your application. Whether you're going for specific days or flexible hours, being clear upfront saves time for both you and British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA). It shows you're organised and ready to fit into their schedule effortlessly!
How to prepare for a job interview at British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA)
✨Brush Up on Technical Know-How
Since you're diving into the world of environmental engineering tech, make sure you're comfortable discussing relevant software and tools, like AutoCAD or GIS. They might throw in some technical questions or case studies during the interview to gauge your knowledge, so it’s a great idea to familiarise yourself with these before your chat with British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA).
✨Show Your Passion for Sustainability
Part-time roles often get a lot of applicants, so make your passion for environmental issues stand out. Share any personal projects or volunteer work focused on sustainable practices, as it shows your dedication to the field and aligns with the values at British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA).
✨Flexibility is Key
Part-time roles can require a bit of juggling between studying and work. Be ready to talk about how you plan to balance your schedule if you get the job with British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA). Highlight your time management skills and steps you take to ensure you meet deadlines in both work and study.
✨Portfolio Perks
If you have any projects or portfolio work, be sure to bring it along! Even if your experience is limited, showcasing coursework related to environmental engineering tech or internships can really give you an edge. It’s a practical way to demonstrate your skills and creativity, so lean on that visual evidence during the interview.
