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- Tasks: Join our team to manage nature reserves and support wildlife recovery efforts.
- Company: Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust is dedicated to restoring nature and connecting people with the environment.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, pension scheme, and employee assistance programme.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on nature while working in beautiful locations with a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Experience in habitat management, power tools, and livestock handling is essential; driving licence required.
- Other info: We value diversity and encourage applications from underrepresented communities.
Please read the following job description thoroughly to ensure you are the right fit for this role before applying.
Salary: £24,000 gross per annum
Location: Twyford, Hampshire
Full Time, 35 Hours per Week
Fixed-Term Contract for 12 Months
Closing date: 12 March 2025
Interviews: 20 March 2025
The Hampshire and 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!’ Our future has to be wilder!
We are seeking an Assistant Reserves Officer (Itchen Valley) to join our cause. As part of the Central Hampshire team, the post is crucial to the successful delivery of the Trust’s reserves work and Wilder strategy across the Itchen Valley & South Downs. Working within a small team, the post holder is responsible for delivering practical management on Trust nature reserves in the River Itchen floodplain and across the South Downs chalk landscape.
The post holder will also assist the Grazing team with some aspects of livestock management as required on reserves. Work will be distributed across a suite of nature reserves, including some of the finest floodplain and chalk stream locations in Hampshire. These include Winnall Moors & the famous Abbotts Barton fishery, Abbotts Worthy Fishery, Hockley & Barton Meadows.
This is a challenging role that requires a high degree of practical competency, initiative and enthusiasm. The post holder will assist the teams Reserve Officers and core staff with day-to-day habitat/estate/fishery management work and livestock husbandry. The post holder will be responsible for the management of volunteers and coordination of a varied practical volunteering work programme.
The post is physically demanding and requires flexible working and occasional on-call duties (circa one weekend in five). Experience in habitat/countryside management (including vegetation clearance) & power tools are essential. Knowledge of flyfishing and riparian management for fisheries is highly desirable. Experience working with livestock for conservation grazing is desirable. A full driving licence is required.
A practical, pragmatic and self-motivated approach to core duties is essential. While daily working locations will vary based on requirements, the key location of work most days will be Winchester and the surrounding area.
Wild About Inclusion! 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 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 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 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.
Assistant Reserves Officer (Itchen Valley) employer: Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust
Contact Detail:
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Reserves Officer (Itchen Valley)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific nature reserves mentioned in the job description, such as Winnall Moors and Abbotts Worthy Fishery. Understanding their unique ecosystems and challenges will help you demonstrate your passion and knowledge during the interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any practical experience you have with habitat management or working with livestock. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed similar tasks in the past, as this will show your competency for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Connect with current or former employees of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust through platforms like LinkedIn. They can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations, which can help you tailor your approach during the interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your flexibility and willingness to work on-call, as well as your ability to manage volunteers. This role requires teamwork and adaptability, so showcasing your interpersonal skills will be crucial in making a strong impression.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Reserves Officer (Itchen Valley)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to grasp the responsibilities and requirements of the Assistant Reserves Officer position. Make notes on how your skills and experiences align with what the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust is looking for.
Tailor Your Supporting Information: In the ‘supporting information’ section, provide detailed examples that demonstrate how you meet the job requirements. Use specific instances from your past experiences that showcase your practical competency, initiative, and enthusiasm for nature conservation.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to emphasise any experience you have in habitat or countryside management, livestock handling, and use of power tools. If you have knowledge of flyfishing or riparian management, be sure to mention this as it is highly desirable for the role.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, thoroughly proofread your documents 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 Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust
✨Know Your Reserves
Familiarise yourself with the specific nature reserves mentioned in the job description, such as Winnall Moors and Abbotts Worthy Fishery. Understanding their unique ecosystems and challenges will show your genuine interest and preparedness for the role.
✨Demonstrate Practical Skills
Be ready to discuss your experience with habitat management, power tools, and livestock handling. Prepare examples of past work that highlight your practical competencies and how they relate to the responsibilities of the Assistant Reserves Officer.
✨Show Enthusiasm for Conservation
Express your passion for wildlife conservation and community engagement. Share any relevant experiences that demonstrate your commitment to bringing people closer to nature, which aligns with the Trust's vision for a wilder future.
✨Prepare for Team Dynamics
Since the role involves working within a small team, think about how you can contribute positively to team dynamics. Be prepared to discuss your teamwork experiences and how you manage volunteer coordination effectively.
