As part of a team, you will assist in reserve management across a variety of habitats including heathlands, woodlands and wetlands. The role will involve habitat management using a variety of tools, installing and repairing reserve infrastructure such as boardwalks and bird hides and supervising volunteers in a variety of tasks.   

A structured training program is offered with the opportunity to tailor training towards individual aims. Trainees will gain nationally recognised qualifications in first aid, chainsaw & brush-cutter operation and maintenance with the opportunity to train for other certifications in related countryside management skills. 

(Please open the Job Description below)

Main Job Purpose: 

Based at Queenswood Country Park, Dinmore, Hereford and working on nature reserves across Herefordshire.

This is an exciting opportunity to gain the skills and experience needed to start a career in UK wildlife conservation. 

As part of a team of trainees you will assist in reserve management across a variety of habitats including heathlands, woodlands and wetlands. The role will involve habitat management, ecological surveys, using a variety of tools, installing and repairing reserve infrastructure such as boardwalks and bird hides and supervising volunteers in a variety of tasks. 

A structured training program is offered with the opportunity to tailor training towards individual aims. Trainees will gain nationally-recognised qualifications in first aid, chainsaw & brush-cutter operation and maintenance with the opportunity to train for other certifications in related countryside management skills. 

Term: 12 months   October 2026 – September 2027

Reports to:  Reserves Officer

Location: Queenswood Country Park

Liaison with: Reserves Officer, Other Trainees, Volunteers, Other Trust Team members 

Key Responsibilities:

Main Responsibilities/job objectives:  

Purpose of the role: 

To assist the reserves team with the management of nature reserves across Herefordshire and to assist other departments within the Trust on small projects.

The role is intended to provide the experience and skills necessary to pursue a career in UK wildlife conservation. 

Role Benefits:

- A structured training budget is available and will include externally certified training in first aid, chainsaw, and brush-cutter. There is also the opportunity to tailor training towards individual aims. 

- The opportunity to learn the theory and practice of reserve management from a friendly and knowledgeable team of reserve officers and volunteers.

- Gain hands on experience of practical conservation and develop relevant skills.

- Work with other departments within the trust to gain a wealth of knowledge and experience. 

Key Activity Areas:   

- Habitat management tasks on woodlands, wetlands, meadows, heathland and grassland using a variety of tools and techniques.

- Practical reserve management including the repair and installation of site infrastructure such as bird hides, signs, gates, boardwalks, fences and footpath maintenance. 

- Supervising volunteers in practical reserve management and habitat management tasks on reserves. 

- Training in the use of chainsaws, brush-cutters, Wildlife Trust vehicles and trailers. 

- Assisting other departments with admin duties such as conducting surveys, analysing survey data and generating social media content.

-  Additional opportunities to assist with events, guided walks and wildlife surveys, some of which may be outside of core working hours.

 Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion  

We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We actively encourage applications from individuals who are underrepresented in the conservation sector, including, but not limited to, people from minority ethnic backgrounds, women, LGBTQ+ individuals, disabled people, and those from socio-economically disadvantaged groups. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know. We use an anonymised shortlisting process which means that personal details such as name, age, gender, and other identifying information are removed from applications before they are reviewed. Our focus is on your skills, experience, and potential to succeed in the role.