Reserve Officer - West

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 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.

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.

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