At a Glance
- Tasks: Learn hands-on conservation skills while restoring habitats and protecting wildlife.
- Company: Join Durham Wildlife Trust, a leader in nature conservation.
- Benefits: Gain practical experience, industry-recognised training, and support throughout your journey.
- Other info: Part-time, 10-month placement with opportunities for growth and development.
- Why this job: Kickstart your conservation career with a supportive team and impactful projects.
- Qualifications: Passion for nature and willingness to learn; no prior experience required.
The predicted salary is between 15736 - 15736 £ per year.
Start your career in conservation with Durham Wildlife Trust. Our 10-month Conservation Trainee placement is your chance to learn hands-on alongside our Reserves Officers, volunteers and partners, restoring habitats and protecting wildlife across our nature reserves. With full supervision and support throughout, and a scheme we've been running successfully for more than 20 years, it's the ideal first step into a career working for nature.
The Conservation Trainee role is a 10-month training placement, providing an exciting opportunity to gain the skills and knowledge needed for a career in conservation. Working with Durham Wildlife Trust and our partners, trainees are able to put their learning into practice while working to restore natural habitats and protect wildlife.
The role involves working within the Conservation team, typically with a Reserves Officer and our volunteers, to support operational delivery and practical management for nature across our reserves. There is direct supervision and support provided throughout the scheme, which Durham Wildlife Trust has been successfully running for over 20 years.
Initial training focuses on providing the practical skills and industry recognised education and certification needed so machinery and tasks can be operated safely. Trainees will also develop their natural history knowledge and species identification skills while learning about the frameworks used in nature conservation and planning.
Purpose of post: To complete the Conservation Traineeship, including undertaking in-house and externally certified courses to develop the practical skills and experience needed for a career in nature conservation.
About the role:
- Part-time
- Fixed term: 10-month placement
- Two trainee positions are available.
- Conservation Trainees will switch between working from Rainton Meadows (DH4 6PU) and Low Barns (DL14 0AG) at 6 months through the traineeship.
The closing date for applications is 8am on Monday 30th November 2026. Interviews are scheduled to take place at Rainton Meadows Nature Reserve, DH4 6PU on Wednesday 16th December 2026.
For full details about the role, please see the Job Pack below.
Conservation Trainee 2026 - 2027 in Houghton-Le-Spring employer: DURHAM WILDLIFE TRUST
Durham Wildlife Trust is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a collaborative and inclusive work culture that empowers employees to make a tangible impact on local ecosystems. Located in the scenic Rainton Meadows, this role offers unique opportunities for professional growth through community engagement and citizen science initiatives, all while contributing to the vital recovery of nature in the region. Join us to be part of a passionate team that values your input and supports your development in the field of ecology.
