At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead practical conservation work and manage iconic nature reserves in Worcestershire.
- Company: Worcestershire Wildlife Trust, a leading nature conservation charity.
- Benefits: Generous leave, pension scheme, flexible working, and enhanced parental leave.
- Why this job: Make a real difference for wildlife and local communities while working outdoors.
- Qualifications: Relevant qualification and experience in habitat and estate management.
- Other info: Join a supportive team dedicated to inspiring action for nature.
The predicted salary is between 28500 - 40000 £ per year.
Closing date: Sunday 8 February 2026
Salary: £28,500 per year
Contract type: Permanent / Working hours: Full time
Location: Lower Smite Farm, Smite Hill, Hindlip, Worcester & Droitwich, Worcestershire, WR3 8SZ
About you
Are you passionate about wildlife, skilled in practical land management and motivated by the challenge of caring for some of Worcestershire's most important nature reserves? We're looking for someone with a relevant qualification and experience of working in habitat and estate management, who can confidently lead practical conservation work, manage contractors and support volunteer teams.
You’ll need excellent communication skills, strong organisational ability and familiarity with GIS and management planning software. Most importantly, you’ll bring enthusiasm for wildlife, a practical mindset and a commitment to delivering high-quality conservation outcomes as part of a dedicated and supportive team.
About the role
Following the promotion of one of our team, we are seeking an experienced reserves officer to help manage our western nature reserves, which include iconic sites such as The Knapp and Papermill and Monkwood.
You’ll lead the practical management of your reserves, ensuring habitats are maintained and enhanced for wildlife. This includes planning and delivering annual work programmes, supervising contractors, supporting and coordinating volunteer teams and carrying out regular monitoring and surveying to guide future management.
The role also includes contributing to two exciting woodland creation projects, one at Dove Tree Farm and another as part of our ongoing Green Farm "Reaching Out to Ancient Woodland" project.
Working from our offices at Lower Smite Farm with regular travel to our nature reserves, you will be part of a team of six reserves officers, five trainees and hundreds of volunteers that are responsible for the management of our 75+ nature reserves. Some evening and weekend work will be required. A full driving license is essential.
About us
We are Worcestershire's leading nature conservation charity, committed to protecting wildlife and the natural environment. We are supported by over 21,000 individual members. Our 40 staff are supported by our 500 volunteers who are vital to the delivery of our work. We manage 75+ nature reserves across the county, covering 12.5 square kilometres of land, and provide land management advice across around a quarter of Worcestershire. Inspiring people to take action for nature is central to our work, from schools and youth groups to communities and local businesses.
Our strategy to 2030 focuses on three key goals:
- Nature in recovery: 30% of land for nature by 2030
- Action for nature: one in four people taking action for nature by 2030
- Sustaining our future: more diversity, more funding and carbon zero by 2030
We are one of 46 independent Wildlife Trusts across the UK.
We're Wild About Inclusion. To us, this means inspiring, empowering and engaging people from all backgrounds, cultures, identities and abilities to change the natural world for the better. It also means cultivating inclusive workspaces that are free from discrimination, where differences are valued and everyone can be themselves and flourish, just like nature! As a Disability Confident Committed employer, we actively welcome applications from disabled candidates. Applicants who meet the minimum requirements and choose to apply under the scheme will be offered an interview.
What we offer
We offer a supportive, friendly and purpose-driven working environment where your contribution genuinely makes a difference for wildlife and local communities. As part of Worcestershire Wildlife Trust, you'll benefit from:
- A generous annual leave allowance of 6.6 weeks including bank holidays
- A holiday purchase scheme
- A contributory pension scheme with 4% employee/8% employer contributions
- Flexible and hybrid working options, where possible
- Enhanced Parental Leave policies
- Group Life Assurance at 3x annual salary
Contract: Full-time, 35 hours per week, permanent
Location: Worcestershire Wildlife Trust, Lower Smite Farm, Hindlip, Worcester WR3 8SZ, with regular travel to nature reserves across Worcestershire. Hybrid working available following completion of probation.
How to apply
Application deadline: 8 February 2026
Interviews: 24 February 2026
For further information and to apply, please click here.
Reserves Officer - West employer: Worcestershire Wildlife Trust
Contact Detail:
Worcestershire Wildlife Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Reserves Officer - West
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the conservation field, attend local events, and connect with people on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, let your enthusiasm for wildlife and conservation shine through. Share your experiences and what drives you to make a difference in nature management.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and its projects. Familiarise yourself with their nature reserves and conservation goals. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our mission to protect wildlife and the environment.
We think you need these skills to ace Reserves Officer - West
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Wildlife: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for wildlife shine through! Share any relevant experiences or projects that highlight your commitment to nature conservation. We love seeing candidates who are genuinely excited about the role.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to match the job description. Highlight your skills in habitat and estate management, and don’t forget to mention your experience with GIS and management planning software. This helps us see how you fit into our team!
Be Clear and Organised: Structure your application clearly. Use headings and bullet points where necessary to make it easy for us to read. Strong organisational skills are key for this role, so show us you’ve got them right from the start!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us without any hiccups. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our organisation there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Worcestershire Wildlife Trust
✨Know Your Nature Reserves
Before the interview, dive deep into the specifics of the nature reserves you'll be managing. Familiarise yourself with their unique habitats and any ongoing projects. This will not only show your passion for wildlife but also demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Showcase Your Practical Skills
Be ready to discuss your hands-on experience in habitat and estate management. Prepare examples of past projects where you led conservation work or managed contractors. Highlighting your practical mindset will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Communicate Effectively
Since excellent communication skills are crucial for this role, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Think about how you can convey complex ideas simply, especially when discussing your experience with volunteer teams and community engagement.
✨Emphasise Your Organisational Abilities
The role requires strong organisational skills, so come prepared with examples of how you've successfully planned and delivered work programmes in the past. Discuss your familiarity with GIS and management planning software to further bolster your case.