SOS: Somerset Project Trainee

A unique opportunity to join a successful and growing conservation charity! 

SOS: Somerset Project Trainee
Salary £21,250 (pro rata) for 18 months

The Trust is looking for a part-time (0.8) trainee to work with the Senior Project Officer on the delivery of the Save Our Shrills: Somerset project. The project, based primarily in South Somerset, aims to address the current decline of the rare Shrill carder bee within the county and to secure the species survival.

Through your training, you will obtain skills in habitat management for bumblebees and other pollinators, bumblebee, and wildflower identification, working with a variety of stakeholders including landowners, volunteers and other NGOs, and engaging with the public at events. You will be taught how to keep detailed records, write risk assessments, and store project data.

You will

• Assist the project officer with site visits to provide advice on managing habitats for bumblebees and learn how to write site reports.
• Assist the project officer with bumblebee, wildflower and habitat surveys.
• Assist with engaging landowners, community groups and other organisations and help deliver ID and survey training events
• Attend public events such as walks, talks and shows and run stalls with volunteers.
• Assist with project administration, communications, and social media updates.

You will have a keen interest in the nature and conservation sector, with relevant volunteering/work experience and/or a relevant qualification. You will be a motivated team player with enthusiasm to learn and be willing to work occasional evenings and weekends. Please refer to the job description and person specification for more details of the role.

This is a part-time (0.8), fixed term contract for 18 months. It is home-based with majority of time field based around Somerset, particularly South Somerset. Due to the nature of the work with often remote locations you will need a full driver licence and access to a car (mileage costs will be reimbursed).

There is an expectation that work will be undertaken in the UK. This role is not eligible for sponsorship. Applicants require to have existing right to work in the UK.

For an application pack please visit our website: bumblebeeconservation.org/vacancies

To discuss the post informally, please contact: Jo Chesworth, Senior Project Officer: jo.chesworth@bumblebeeconservation.org 

Closing Date: 5pm Sunday 18th February 2024

Applications may close before the deadline, so please apply early to avoid disappointment.

Online Interview date: Mon 4th March/Tue 5th March 2024

The Trust recruits, employs, trains and promotes regardless of race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, disability, age, and other protected status.

At the Trust, we have a clear goal: to be the place where a diverse mix of talented people want to come, to stay and do their best work. We pride ourselves on reaching for our vision – to reverse the decline in bumblebees, through the hard work and dedication of our passionate and creative employees.