Conservation, Community and Research Lead in Maidenhead

Conservation, Community and Research Lead in Maidenhead

Maidenhead Full-Time 32418 - 35357 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
The Windsor Forest Colleges Group

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead conservation, community engagement, and research initiatives at our Animal Centre.
  • Company: Join the Windsor Forest Colleges Group, a top education provider in the South East.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 30 days annual leave, a generous pension scheme, and various health perks.
  • Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for career progression and a supportive work culture.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in animal welfare and biodiversity while inspiring students.
  • Qualifications: Experience in managing public education programmes in zoology or related fields.

The predicted salary is between 32418 - 35357 £ per year.

Windsor Forest Colleges Group is looking for a full-time Conservation, Community and Research Lead to join our Berkshire College of Agriculture team on a full-time, permanent basis. Pay range: £32,418.38 to £35,357.84 per annum, dependent on experience and qualifications. Working hours: 5 days in 7, including occasional weekend work, 40 hours per week.

You will be the College lead for the strategic development, operation, and quality assurance of our Animal Centre’s conservation, research, and public education provision. You will be responsible for the design, development, and implementation of an effective engagement strategy that aligns with BIAZA requirements, ensuring that our animal and livestock collections provide an outstanding learning environment for students and the public alike. You will guarantee that our research and conservation systems are robust, ethically sound, and used to continuously improve both animal welfare and biodiversity of the BCA site.

We are looking for someone who can build and lead our Conservation, Community and Research activity, ensuring we continuously reach the KPI’s set out in the relevant strategies. We seek someone who has significant experience in managing public education programmes at a senior level within the zoological, land-based or further education sector. You will also be passionate about developing a high‑performing, supportive, and challenging culture for staff and learners – rooted in the core college values and dedicated to sector‑leading best practices in sustainability, animal welfare, and industry engagement.

About Us: The Windsor Forest Colleges Group is a leading education provider in the South East. Our staff work across 4 main campuses at Langley, Windsor, Strodes Egham and Berkshire College of Agriculture Maidenhead. Our teams place the learner at the heart of all we do and in our state of the art learning environments, we are proud to deliver education and training to a diverse group of students and businesses each year.

Benefits:

  • Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) currently offering 24.3% employer contribution
  • Support roles enjoy 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays
  • Career progression opportunities for ambitious staff
  • Access to a wide range of subsidised leisure courses
  • Access to excellent defined benefit pension schemes
  • Free on-site parking at all sites
  • Cycle to Work Scheme
  • Family friendly policies to support Work Life Balance
  • Onsite Coffee Shop & Cafeteria
  • Various health & wellbeing benefits including discounted gym memberships, confidential staff counselling and discounted hair and beauty treatments at The Salon at Langley College

Legal and Safeguarding: The College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all its staff to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS and Barred List check along with other legally required checks which are an essential part of the safeguarding process.

Vacancy closing date: 19th July 2026.

Conservation, Community and Research Lead in Maidenhead employer: The Windsor Forest Colleges Group

Windsor Forest Colleges Group is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises sustainability, animal welfare, and community engagement. With generous benefits such as a Local Government Pension Scheme, 30 days of annual leave, and ample opportunities for career progression, employees are supported in achieving their professional goals while enjoying a healthy work-life balance. Located in the picturesque Berkshire area, our state-of-the-art facilities provide an inspiring environment for both staff and students, making it a rewarding place to contribute to conservation and education.

The Windsor Forest Colleges Group

Contact Details:

The Windsor Forest Colleges Group Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Conservation, Community and Research Lead in Maidenhead

Connect with Local Farmers and Co-ops

Don't underestimate the power of local connections in agriculture. Get involved in local farmers' markets or agricultural co-ops. These are great places to meet potential employers and get the inside scoop on job openings before they're even advertised.

Get Involved in Agricultural Events

Keep an eye out for agricultural fairs, conferences, and workshops in your area. These events are golden opportunities to network with industry professionals and showcase your passion. You might even stumble across job boards or companies actively looking to hire!

Volunteer for Relevant Experience

Consider volunteering with organisations focused on agriculture, sustainability, or community gardening. This not only boosts your CV but also expands your network. You never know who might be watching your hard work and dedication!

Keep an Eye on Job Listings at Industry-Specific Websites

Be sure to check out agriculture-focused job boards and websites regularly. Companies like The Windsor Forest Colleges Group often post opportunities on their own sites before anywhere else, so don’t miss out! Apply directly through us to increase your chances!

We think you need these skills to ace Conservation, Community and Research Lead in Maidenhead

Strategic Development
Quality Assurance
Public Education Programme Management
Engagement Strategy Design
BIAZA Compliance
Animal Welfare Knowledge
Biodiversity Improvement

Some tips for your application 🫡

Showcase Your Relevant Experience:When applying for a role in agriculture, it's crucial to highlight any hands-on experience you have in farming, crop management, or sustainable practices. We want to see how your background aligns with the role you're after, so be specific about the responsibilities you've had and any tools or techniques you've used.

Certifications Matter:In agriculture, relevant certifications can really give your application a boost. If you have any qualifications related to agricultural practices, pest management, or environmental regulations, make sure to mention them! They're great indicators of your commitment and expertise in the field.

Tailor Your CV to the Agriculture Sector:Your CV should reflect your passion for agriculture. Structure it to emphasise your field experience and any relevant projects you've been involved in. Don't forget to highlight your soft skills, like teamwork and communication, which are essential in this sector.

Passion is Key in Your Cover Letter:Since this is a full-time position, we want to feel your enthusiasm for agriculture in your cover letter. Share why you're drawn to this industry and mention any long-term goals you have that align with what The Windsor Forest Colleges Group does. This can really set you apart from other candidates.

How to prepare for a job interview at The Windsor Forest Colleges Group

Get Familiar with Agricultural Technologies

Make sure you're up to speed with the latest agricultural technologies and tools that are commonly used in the field. Whether it’s precision farming tools or crop management software, being able to discuss these effectively during your interview with The Windsor Forest Colleges Group will show that you're technically savvy and ready to contribute from day one.

Showcase Your Practical Experience

Since agriculture is a hands-on industry, be prepared to share any practical experiences you've had. This could be through internships, volunteer work, or even personal projects. Discussing specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them can really impress the interviewers, especially in a full-time role at The Windsor Forest Colleges Group.

Understand the Sustainable Practices

Sustainability is a hot topic in agriculture right now, so it's important to understand current practices and regulations in the industry. Familiarise yourself with concepts like crop rotation, organic farming, and environmental impact. Having informed opinions on these topics can set you apart from other candidates during your interview.

Practice Common Industry Scenarios

Expect to tackle a few scenario-based questions that mimic real-life challenges in agriculture. For instance, you might be asked how you would handle a pest infestation or manage resources during a drought. Practising these scenarios will help you respond confidently and showcase your problem-solving skills during the interview with The Windsor Forest Colleges Group.