Assistant Wardens across Suffolk

We have opportunities for enthusiastic and suitably-qualified conservationists to join us at Suffolk Wildlife Trust as Assistant Wardens covering our reserves across the north east, west and east of Suffolk. We manage over 50 nature reserves covering more than 2,900 hectares. Taken together, the reserve network includes a broad range of habitat types, including floodplain marsh, lowland fen, reedbed, open water, wet meadow, valley fen, lowland heath, grassland, ancient woodland, coppiced woodland, estuarine mudflats and saltmarsh. The sites vary considerably in scale and function, from large wetland complexes such as Carlton Marshes and Redgrave & Lopham Fen to smaller woods, commons and meadow sites that protect locally important assemblages & habitat fragments.

The post holders will support the team to achieve high-quality conservation management across a varied and inspiring portfolio of reserves. At the heart of this role is practical, outcomes-focused land management. Working under the line management of the Senior Warden, you’ll help ensure reserves are managed in line with conservation objectives and management plans - contributing to agri-environment scheme agreements, completing habitat management tasks, coordinating ecological monitoring and producing clear evidence-based reports. You’ll also play an important operational role by helping prepare contractor specifications and supervising works when needed, while maintaining machinery, vehicles, equipment and reserve infrastructure to a high standard. Where livestock are part of the conservation approach, you’ll help ensure excellent welfare standards are consistently met.

People are central to success on reserves and you will be committed to talking to the public & leading volunteer work parties and other activities. You’ll support with overseeing day-to-day volunteer activities, input into work schedules and ensure Health & Safety procedures are understood and followed, supporting safe working practices for everyone involved. Just as importantly, you’ll help develop these reserves as welcoming “flagships” for the Trust’s work, ensuring visitors enjoy safe and accessible trails, signage, interpretation and facilities. You’ll have a friendly, engaging manner & contribute to a positive visitor experience, acting as an ambassador for Suffolk Wildlife Trust at every opportunity - supporting open days, guided walks and talks and sharing the story of the Trust’s conservation impact through channels such as social media, local media and Trust communications.

To succeed in this role, it is essential that the successful applicant has previous experience in a similar role, broad habitat & conservation management knowledge and experience, including an awareness of agri-environment schemes and Cross Compliance. Strong IT skills, particularly in Microsoft 365, are also important, with a willingness to use GIS, volunteer management and CRM systems. You will be familiar with Health & Safety requirements and be a team player with excellent interpersonal & communication skills. You will also be well organised, practical and adaptable, and an effective problem-solver. Finally, you will be self-motivated, enthusiastic and engaging, committed to environmental issues and able to undertake outdoor work in all weathers.

These are permanent, full-time positions working 37.5 hours per week (five out of seven days each week, typically Monday to Friday from 9:00am to 5:00pm). The starting salary will be up to £27,385.07 per annum depending on skills, knowledge and experience. Please visit our website for more details.

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.

Suffolk Wildlife Trust is committed to an inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone is welcome. As a conservation charity, we recognise the importance of diversity in both nature and our workforce of staff and volunteers. We strive to ensure that everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute to our vision of “A Wilder Suffolk where nature is thriving and abundant because everyone is doing more to help”.