Severn Estuary Community Ranger in Coleford

The extraordinary wetlands of the Severn Estuary inspired the founding of WWT in 1946. Eighty years later, their wildlife spectacles continue to captivate and inspire. Will you help us to protect them for generations to come? We’re recruiting a Community Ranger to provide a visible on-the-ground presence around Lydney Harbour and the surrounding estuary, working directly with local communities and visitors to help reduce recreational disturbance to its internationally important wildlife.

You’ll play a vital role in connecting people with the estuary's unique habitats and species. Through face-to-face engagement, education and community outreach, you'll help inspire positive behaviours that support the conservation of wintering waterbirds and other wildlife that rely on this remarkable landscape.

For the right candidate, we can offer:

• a role with a good balance of outdoor, community-focused and office-based tasks;
• the opportunity to shape an exciting new initiative on the Severn Estuary;
• the chance to learn from our wider team of community engagement, wetland restoration and research specialists.

This role will require regular work in the field, with a base at Forest of Dean District Council’s offices in Coleford. It is offered on an 18-month fixed term contract for 18.75 hours a week, with potential (and desire) to extend subject to onward funding.

About You
We're looking for an enthusiastic and engaging conservationist with good field skills in waterbird identification and ecology and a keen interest in other wetland wildlife. You’ll be an inspiring and creative communicator able to enthuse and encourage a variety of audiences, from school children to dog walkers. You’ll also have the confidence to approach and engage people with different viewpoints whilst acting with professional integrity as an ambassador for WWT. Although you’ll be a strong team player, we’re looking for someone who is comfortable and capable of working independently.

Appointment to this position is subject to the successful candidate receiving an enhanced disclosure and barred list check (child). If this sounds like you, then we would love to hear from you. Come and join us in delivering our vision of a world where healthy wetland nature thrives and enriches lives.

About Us
We’re WWT, and we’re on a mission to restore the super-powered ecosystems we call wetlands. There’s never been a more important moment for our work, and we’ve got some phenomenal people on the case. Whether they’re taking a new visitor under their wing, or conducting ground-breaking research further afield, our team are second to none. And there’s nothing we love more than watching them soar. Whatever you do here, you’ll be helping to restore wetlands and unlock their power.

Why you’ll love working at WWT:
Wake up every day knowing your work is helping to restore wetlands, and our world. Be surrounded and inspired by our team of passionate, dedicated people.

• 33 days annual leave (which goes up to 38 days after 5 years of service) – this includes bank holidays and you have flexibility to take those days whenever you want;
• Free entry to all our wetland centres, including your family;
• Free car parking and secure bike storage areas;
• Colleague discount on shopping and memberships;
• Cycle to work scheme;
• Contributory pension scheme;
• Life Assurance of three times your salary, for peace of mind for your loved ones;
• Independent personal, workplace and financial advice from our Employee Assistance Programme.

WWT is an equal opportunities employer and all applications will be considered solely on merit.