Job vacancies
Voluntary officer
Location: Northampton
Commitment: Five days a week (minimum of 3), preferably for 6 months (up to 1 year).
Salary: None but travelling expenses are reimbursed.
Voluntary officers (VOs) work primarily with the reserves staff, assisting with all aspects of management on our 45 nature reserves across Northamptonshire, with opportunities to experience other areas of the Trusts conservation work i.e. wider countryside (planning and biodiversity) and biological records centre. VOs will be based with staff at the Northampton office and work on nature reserves across Northamptonshire.
The placement period covers typical aspects of the seasonal work required to manage the wide range of habitats including woodland, wetland and grassland found on our rural and urban nature reserves. Voluntary placement is designed to offer valuable 'on the job' training and experience in practical reserve management skills and related office work with the opportunity to attend in-house training workshops and externally certificated courses in first aid, brushcutter and chainsaw operation.
VOs gain experience in the practical skills involved with the management of the Trust's nature reserves, including woodland ride and grassland mowing; scrub clearance and coppicing; plant identification; fencing, tree felling, access improvements; and working with livestock.
Applicants need to have an enthusiasm for nature conservation and wildlife and a desire to get involved in the environmental sector. Good team working and communication skills are essential, as well as a keenness to learn. Applicants require a full driving license and a basic level of computer literacy. Some background in ecology, natural history or conservation would be desirable. Applicants should be able to commit to five days a week (minimum of 3), preferably for 6 months (up to 1 year), with a provisional start date of mid September 2008. Two VO placements are available.
Applications should be made by CV and covering letter to:
Paul Evans
The Wildlife Trust
Lings House
Lings Way
Billing Lings
Northampton
NN3 8BE
Or email: paul.evans [at] wildlifebcnp.org
Applications by: 12 noon 26 August 2008