At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in managing Skomer Island's wildlife and engage with visitors during the busy season.
- Company: Join a passionate team dedicated to conservation on Skomer Island.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, unique living experience, and hands-on conservation work.
- Other info: Great opportunity for career growth and to connect with nature enthusiasts.
- Why this job: Live on a stunning island while making a real impact on wildlife conservation.
- Qualifications: Knowledge of British seabirds and experience in wildlife monitoring preferred.
The predicted salary is between 24479 - 24479 £ per year.
Closing date: Friday 13 February 2026
Salary: £24,479 (pro rata)
Contract type: Fixed term
Working hours: Full time
Location: Skomer Island, Pembrokeshire.
We have an exciting opportunity to join our team, working and living on Skomer Island between April and July 2026! Made possible by the Nature Networks Fund, the Seasonal Assistant Warden will assist in all aspects of the management and monitoring of Skomer Island National Nature Reserve during the busy seabird and visitor season. Skomer Island is the largest seabird colony in southern Britain, supporting the world’s largest colony of Manx shearwaters as well as nationally and internationally important numbers of puffin, razorbill, guillemot, kittiwake, fulmar and lesser black-backed, herring and great black-backed gulls. The waters around the island are designated as a Marine Conservation Zone and, on land, Skomer is one of the largest breeding sites in Wales for short-eared owls and the last place in Pembrokeshire where curlew breed.
If you can identify British seabirds and demonstrate some knowledge of seabird and marine ecology then this could be the early career experience you are looking for! We’re seeking someone who can demonstrate experience of wildlife survey and monitoring techniques and data collection, and would embrace the chance to live on the island for four months. You’ll also be an enthusiastic ambassador for the island and the marine environment, willing and confident to share information with day trippers, Wildlife Trust supporters and other stakeholders.
Main Responsibilities
- Engaging with day trippers, including delivery of welcome talks and ensuring safe arrival and departure from the island.
- Responding to general enquiries.
- Guide educational groups visiting Skomer on day trips when requested.
- Assist with residential events on Skomer for under-represented groups, including young people.
- Wildlife monitoring and recording to include; breeding bird surveys, seabird census, seabird productivity monitoring, vegetation surveys and mapping ground nesting birds.
- Monthly biosecurity checks.
- Lead volunteers when required.
- Maintenance of buildings, infrastructure and vehicles.
- Path maintenance and practical estate work.
- Report on grant funded activities in a monthly progress update as required by WTSWW and the grant funders.
- Share news and stories about the island, marine wildlife and the wider marine environment in blogs and content for our supporter’s newsletters.
- Liaise with contractors and other members of WTSWW staff working on Skomer.
For further detail, please see job description and person specification below.
Key Dates
Please send your completed application form to info@welshwildlife.org with the job title as the subject line. Please be aware we may not accept applications if we have reason to believe they have been wholly produced using generative AI tools. Interview date: Friday 20th February, via video conference. If you haven’t received any communication from us after Wednesday 18th February your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.
We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusivity. We are particularly keen to increase the diversity of our staff, volunteers and supporters. We welcome applications from people from groups which are underrepresented in the conservation sector, particularly people from minority ethnic groups, people with disabilities and people from low-socioeconomic backgrounds. Even if you do not feel you meet all the criteria, please do submit an application. We can provide training and support to the right candidate. As a Disability Confident Committed employer, we are committed to offering an interview to anyone with a disability that meets all the essential criteria for the post. Please let us know if you require any adjustments to make our recruitment process more accessible.
You must be a UK citizen to apply for this role.
Seasonal Assistant Warden (Skomer Island) employer: Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts
Join us for a unique opportunity to work as a Seasonal Assistant Warden on Skomer Island, where you will immerse yourself in the stunning natural environment of one of the UK's most important seabird colonies. Our supportive work culture fosters personal and professional growth, offering hands-on experience in wildlife conservation while engaging with visitors and promoting environmental awareness. With a commitment to inclusivity and diversity, we welcome applicants from all backgrounds, ensuring a rewarding and meaningful experience in a breathtaking location.
Contact Details:
Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Seasonal Assistant Warden (Skomer Island)
✨Dive into Local Environmental Events
Get yourself along to local environmental fairs, community clean-ups, or sustainability workshops. These events are a goldmine for meeting industry pros and learning about seasonal opportunities—plus, it shows you’re genuinely invested in the field!
✨Join Environmental Networks and Groups
Connect with environmental engineering tech groups on platforms like Meetup or Facebook. Being part of communities can lead to word-of-mouth job openings, especially for those seasonal positions that pop up during peak times.
✨Leverage University Resources
If you’re connected to a uni, now’s the time to hit up your career services! They often have special placements for seasonal spots in environmental firms, and they can help polish your approach for interviews and networking.
✨Apply Early and Often
Seasonal roles can fill up fast, so don’t delay! Keep an eye on Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts's website for openings. Plus, make a habit of checking up on local companies that may not advertise widely but could be looking for interns or seasonal staff.
We think you need these skills to ace Seasonal Assistant Warden (Skomer Island)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Environmental Passion:When applying for the seasonal role in environmental engineering tech, make sure to highlight your passion for sustainability and your commitment to eco-friendly practices. Use your cover letter to showcase any relevant projects or experiences that underline your dedication to the field—let your enthusiasm shine through!
Highlight Technical Skills:Don’t forget to list your technical skills that are relevant to environmental engineering. This could include software expertise like AutoCAD, GIS tools, or data analysis programmes. Your CV should reflect these skills clearly, as they are vital for the roles you'll be tackling with Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts.
Demonstrate Learning and Flexibility:Seasonal roles are all about agility and learning quickly. In your application, emphasise any experiences where you’ve had to adapt or learn new skills on the fly. This can be particularly appealing to Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts as they seek candidates who can hit the ground running and tackle seasonal challenges.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter for the Role:Each application should be tailored specifically for the role you’re aiming for. Use keywords from the job description for Seasonal Assistant Warden (Skomer Island), and don't shy away from including related coursework or volunteer work in your CV. Applying through our website is a breeze—just make sure your documents are on point!
How to prepare for a job interview at Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
As this role in environmental engineering tech might involve technical questions, it's essential for us to review key concepts related to environmental regulations, sustainable practices, and any specific software tools commonly used in the field, like AutoCAD or GIS software. Show that you've got a solid grasp of the technical side of things by being ready to discuss recent projects or technologies you've worked with.
✨Prepare for Problem-Solving Scenarios
Expect scenarios during the interview that will test your problem-solving skills. We should prepare for questions that might ask how we'd approach certain environmental engineering challenges or case studies. Think through real-world examples where you've tackled similar issues in the past—this will give you a competitive edge.
✨Emphasise Your Adaptability
Since it's a seasonal role, showcasing your adaptability can really make us stand out. Be ready to explain why you're interested in this type of contract and how you're willing to jump in quickly, pick up new skills, or adapt your previous experience to meet the demands of the project.
✨Show Your Passion for the Environment
Let your enthusiasm for environmental issues shine through during the interview. We should be prepared to discuss how our personal interests align with the values of Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts and how we envision contributing to their mission. Sharing any relevant volunteer work or personal projects can also highlight that passion.
