Natural Solutions Officer (Maternity Cover)

Natural Solutions Officer (Maternity Cover)

Temporary 17172 - 28620 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
DEVON WILDLIFE TRUST

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Deliver nature-based solutions to improve biodiversity and engage with the community.
  • Company: Join a passionate team dedicated to environmental recovery in Northern Devon.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, pension, and the chance to make a real impact.
  • Other info: Part-time role with flexible hours and a focus on collaboration.
  • Why this job: Be part of a flagship project that creates lasting environmental benefits.
  • Qualifications: Experience in conservation, community engagement, or land management is essential.

The predicted salary is between 17172 - 28620 £ per year.

Salary: £17,172pa (£28,620 FTE) plus 7% pension

Closing date: Wednesday 29 July

We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated Natural Solutions Officer to join our Northern Devon Natural Solutions team on a temporary maternity cover contract. Working across the North Devon Biosphere Reserve, you will play a key role in delivering nature-based solutions that improve water quality, increase biodiversity, reduce flood risk and support climate resilience.

The role will involve building strong relationships with volunteers, community groups, farmers, landowners and partner organisations. This will help deliver practical volunteer events, habitat restoration projects and encourage land management practices to the benefit of both people and wildlife.

A significant part of the role will focus on coordinating and delivering landowner engagement activities, including Facilitation Fund groups, workshops and networking events. You will also support the running of the Meeth Community Tree Nursery, working alongside volunteers on seed collection, processing and nursery activities.

As the project approaches its conclusion in 2027, you will help capture and communicate its achievements through case studies, newsletters, mapping and other communications materials that showcase the project's impact and legacy.

We are seeking someone with experience in conservation, community engagement, volunteer management, agriculture, land management or environmental projects, together with excellent communication and relationship building skills. The successful candidate will be confident working with a wide range of stakeholders, including farmers, volunteers, community groups, contractors and partner organisations.

A good understanding of farming systems and rural communities, strong organisational skills and the ability to work independently as part of a collaborative team are essential. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to one of Northern Devon's flagship nature recovery projects and help create lasting environmental benefits across the landscape.

This is a part-time (22.5 hours per week) temporary post based at Cookworthy, near Halwill Junction. Interviews are being held on Monday 10 August at Cookworthy.

We welcome candidates of all backgrounds and abilities who meet the essential criteria for this role. To achieve our vision, we need more people, and more diverse people, on nature’s side. We are committed to developing an inclusive and diverse organisation, in which everyone feels supported, valued, and able to be their full selves. DWT is committed to the principle of equal opportunity in employment.

Natural Solutions Officer (Maternity Cover) employer: DEVON WILDLIFE TRUST

Join a passionate team dedicated to environmental conservation in the stunning North Devon Biosphere Reserve. As a Natural Solutions Officer, you'll enjoy a supportive work culture that values diversity and inclusivity, alongside opportunities for personal and professional growth through community engagement and hands-on projects. With a competitive salary and pension benefits, this role offers a meaningful way to contribute to nature recovery while working collaboratively with local stakeholders.

DEVON WILDLIFE TRUST

Contact Details:

DEVON WILDLIFE TRUST Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Natural Solutions Officer (Maternity Cover)

Make the Most of Local Events

Get out there and attend sustainability and environmental management events in your area. Local meet-ups, eco-fairs, or community clean-up days are not just great for networking but also for getting to know the players in the field—plus, you might just land a temporary gig with someone you meet!

Join Environmental Groups

Look for online and offline communities focused on sustainability. Joining groups like the Environmental Professionals Network or local environmental clubs can help you connect with others in the field. Often, these groups share temporary job opportunities that you won't find on typical job boards.

Leverage Your University’s Resources

If you're still studying or recently graduated, tap into your university’s career services. They often have leads on temporary roles, internships, or projects with local organisations looking for extra hands, especially during peak seasons.

Showcase Your Passion Online

Get active on social media by sharing your insights on sustainability topics. This could include short articles, infographics, or even participating in discussions on platforms like Twitter. Showing your commitment to the cause can make you a memorable candidate when applying for temp roles at places like DEVON WILDLIFE TRUST.

We think you need these skills to ace Natural Solutions Officer (Maternity Cover)

Conservation Experience
Community Engagement
Volunteer Management
Agriculture Knowledge
Land Management
Environmental Project Management
Communication Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Sustainability:When applying for a temporary role in sustainability and environmental management, it's crucial to let your passion shine through. Share any personal projects, volunteer work, or relevant coursework that demonstrates your commitment to the field. We want to see that you not only have the skills but also a deep interest in making a positive impact.

Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to detail any previous experience in sustainability, whether through internships, volunteer roles, or academic projects. Mention specific contributions or achievements that relate to environmental management — like waste reduction initiatives or conservation efforts. This will help us see the value you can bring to DEVON WILDLIFE TRUST.

Tailor Your CV for the Role:We can't stress enough the importance of tailoring your CV specifically for this temporary role. Focus on skills and experiences that align with sustainability, like data analysis techniques for environmental surveys or knowledge of regulatory compliance. This targeted approach will make it easier for us to see why you're a great fit.

Be Clear About Your Availability:Since this is a temporary role, it's key that you clearly outline your availability in your application. Let us know your start date and how long you can commit, as this helps us plan effectively. Don’t forget to mention any flexibility you might have — that can set you apart from other candidates!

How to prepare for a job interview at DEVON WILDLIFE TRUST

Show Off Your Eco-Knowledge

Dive deep into the realm of sustainability practices and environmental policies. Brush up on current trends and regulations relevant to the field, like the Circular Economy or net-zero targets, as these might come up in technical discussions with DEVON WILDLIFE TRUST.

Bring Your Adaptable Mindset

As this gig is temporary, employers at DEVON WILDLIFE TRUST will be keen on your ability to hit the ground running. Share instances from coursework or past experiences where you quickly adapted or contributed to projects, showcasing your eagerness to learn and tackle tasks with minimal hand-holding.

Highlight Relevant Tools

Get familiar with key tools and software commonly used in sustainability, such as GIS for environmental mapping or life cycle assessment software. Demonstrating your proficiency with these tools will boost your profile during the interview with DEVON WILDLIFE TRUST.

Prepare for Scenario Questions

Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate your problem-solving skills in environmental management. Think of examples where you've successfully tackled an environmental concern, whether in studies or during internships, to illustrate your practical knowledge and organisational fit.