Reserves Assistants (x2 posts)

Woodah Farm Rural Skills Centre,

Meeth Quarry,

Devon Wildlife Trust (DWT) is Devon’s leading wildlife conservation charity, with over 36,000 members, 350 regular volunteers, 100 staff and 63 nature reserves. We are one of the larger locally based organisations that collectively make up The Wildlife Trusts. DWT has pioneered the reintroduction of beavers in England and the restoration of internationally rare habitats like Culm Grassland.

We are looking for two practical people to join our team of six Reserves Assistants to help shape the future health of DWT’s nature reserves. You will be an integral part of DWT’s Land Management Team, working closely with our Nature Reserve Officers to ensure all reserves are managed to the highest standards for wildlife, habitats and people.

The role is extremely varied, and ideally candidates will have experience in delivering practical work, organising and leading volunteer work parties, supporting trainees/volunteers, undertaking monitoring and leading guided walks. The work has a strong practical focus, and candidates will need to be capable of extended periods of physical work. One of the roles will lead on, or develop skills and responsibilities associated with delivering management tasks using and maintaining our machinery. These tasks will be carried out on a range of terrain (steep slopes and wet ground) and include grassland management / restoration, bracken management, maintaining fire breaks and fencing.

One role is based at our Meeth Nature Reserve and one role is based at our Woodah Farm base. While management tasks will be delivered across our entire land holding, the Meeth Nature Reserve post will have a strong focus on the reserves in the north and west of Devon, while the Woodah Farm post will have a strong focus on the reserves in the south and east of the county.

In return for your hard work and dedication you’ll enjoy a wide range of benefits including:

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (increasing to 28 days after 5 years’ service)
• Agile working arrangements including home working
• Flexitime system
• Salary progression (subject to satisfactory performance)
• Contributory pension scheme (conditions apply)
• Death in Service cover
• Access to an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
• Cycle to work scheme
• Training and development opportunities

Both roles are permanent, full-time appointments with one role based at our Meeth Nature Reserve and the other based at our Woodah Farm base. Please could you specify your preferred role in your covering letter (or whether you wish to be considered for both).

Interviews are being held on Friday 24 May.

We welcome candidates of all backgrounds and abilities who meet the essential criteria for this role. We are an inclusive organisation that is seeking to involve more diverse audiences in our work.

For further information and to apply for the post please download the Job Application Pack and Application Form below. If you have any further questions please email jobapps@devonwildlifetrust.org or telephone 01392 279244.

DWT is committed to the principle of equal opportunity in employment.

Registered Charity Number no 213224