Warden x2

We're seeking two enthusiastic & suitably-skilled Wardens to join our West Suffolk Reserves Team to deliver high-quality conservation management.

One role is the Central Suffolk Warden who will support conservation management across a core set of “home” reserves - Martin’s Meadow, Fox Fritillary Meadow & Mickfield Meadow while also providing support on other West area reserves as required. The other role is the West Suffolk Woodlands Warden, working across Bradfield Woods, Bulls Wood, Bonny Wood and Combs Wood, while supporting work on other West area reserves as required.

The positions lead on turning the Trust’s conservation objectives into practical action: producing and updating reserve management plans; planning and delivering habitat management works; coordinating ecological monitoring; maintaining machinery, equipment and site infrastructure; and overseeing contractors and compliance, including consents, budgets and reporting.

A major part of the roles are recruiting, developing and leading volunteers to support conservation work across the reserves, ensuring excellent standards of health and safety at all times. The role also includes public engagement, helping to ensure a welcoming and accessible experience for every visitor. Friendly, organised and hands-on, the Warden is a visible ambassador for Suffolk Wildlife Trust, raising awareness of the Trust’s work through day-to-day engagement, events and communications that support the mission to bring nature back.

The post holders will need strong practical knowledge of woodland, wetland, meadow and heathland habitats, with hands-on experience delivering habitat management works using industry-standard conservation power tools and relevant machinery. You’ll bring excellent communication, partnership working and project management skills, with the ability to engage and support volunteers, work safely with contractors and manage resources effectively. A good working knowledge of Microsoft 365 is essential, alongside a willingness to learn and apply task-specific tools and systems (e.g. GIS/QGIS, volunteer management systems & CRM). You’ll be confident assessing risk and producing risk assessments, comfortable working outdoors in all weathers and varied terrain (including around water bodies), and able to think on your feet—resolving issues and conflict with a proactive, solutions-focused approach.

Both positions are permanent working 37.5 hours per week (five out of seven days each week - standard hours are Monday to Friday from 9:00am to 5:00pm) based at Bradfield Wood Nature Reserve. The starting salary will be between £28,088.00 & £30,088.00 per annum depending on skills, knowledge and experience.

To apply for either opportunity, please submit an application via our website by 9:00am on Tuesday 07 April 2026 with interviews are planned for week commencing 20 April 2026 at Bradfield Woods.

Annual leave entitlement starts at 33 days per annum (including Bank Holidays), increasing annually to 38 days plus employees receive an extra day off for their birthday. We offer a 9% employer pension contribution with no employee contribution required, free 24-hour Employee Assistance Programme, free life insurance from day one of employment, free access to a private GP and discounts at high street retailers. Staff can also enjoy a 10% discount in our visitor centre cafes, including retail.

We are committed to being an inclusive organisation where everyone is welcome. As a conservation charity, we recognise the value of diversity both in nature and in our staff & volunteers. Suffolk Wildlife Trust is an organisation where everyone feels respected, valued & empowered to contribute, so that together we can deliver our vision, mission & strategic goals for a wilder Suffolk.