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- Tasks: Manage Solent reserves, oversee volunteers, and engage the public in conservation activities.
- 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 team making a real impact on local wildlife and habitats.
- 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: CV-Library
Contact Detail:
CV-Library Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Reserves Officer (Solent)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific reserves managed by the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, particularly Farlington Marshes and Swanwick Lakes. Understanding their unique habitats and management techniques will help you demonstrate your knowledge during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of the Trust or similar organisations. Engaging in conversations about their experiences can provide valuable insights into the role and the organisational culture, which you can reference in your discussions.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your practical skills in habitat management and use of power tools. Be ready to share specific examples of past projects where you successfully applied these skills, as this will showcase your competency for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Highlight your experience in volunteer management and public engagement activities. Think of creative ways you've involved the community in conservation efforts, as this aligns with the Trust's mission and will make you a standout candidate.
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 from your past experiences that demonstrate how you meet the job requirements. Use specific situations to highlight your skills in habitat management, volunteer coordination, and communication.
Showcase Relevant Skills: Emphasise your practical competencies, such as land management techniques, use of power tools, and knowledge of conservation grazing systems. Be sure to mention any relevant qualifications or training.
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 CV-Library
✨Know Your Habitats
Familiarise yourself with the specific habitats and species found in the Solent reserves. Be prepared to discuss your experience with habitat management techniques, particularly wetland and grazing marsh.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As you'll be responsible for managing an Assistant Reserves Officer and volunteers, highlight your leadership experience. Share examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects 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 during the interview.
✨Engage with Their Vision
Understand and align with the Trust's vision for a wilder future. Be prepared to discuss how your values and experiences contribute to their mission of nature recovery and community engagement.
